Kaléi Magazine by Chew Wei Yi

Contents BEAUTY Be a Trendy Kool-rean Scrub It Off! Hair Damage: Fight or Flight?

02 04 06

H E A LT H Drink Tea, Get Skinny Kick It till You Make It

08 10

LIFESTYLE

18 20

Lush Affair

Show Them Who's Boss Camo and Ammo

FOOD

22 GALENTINE'S 24 12 25 14 15 16 Dear Diary, It's D-Day!

Cooking Up a Difference

Veganism: A Piece of Cake It's a Kookie Date!

Go Natural and Soap It Up! Drink Pink on Wednesdays

ABOUT THE COV E R

Kaléi, pronounced as kuh-lay, means beloved or flower wreath in Hawaiian. Our cover page was illustrated by our Photo Editor, Isabella. The illustrated girl is an embodiment of women positivity. The branches growing out from her heart represent the beauty of blooming, be it the heart, mind or soul. Water your heart with love and you’ll bloom in no time.

20 25

Editor's Note My team and I would like to extend our warmest gratitude for picking up the first issue of Kaléi! After months of persevering, we've finally bloomed with Kaléi, a female magazine for the lionhearted featuring beauty, health, lifestyle and food.

CHERYL LlM Editor

WlNNlE ONG Sub-Editor

FARAHNURMADlNA Designer

lAN TAN

Reporter

Our tagline "Bloom From Within" reflects the art of growth and self-discovery, like a budding flower, awaiting to blossom into a beautiful mature individual. Likewise, we’re constantly growing during our transition from adolescence to womanhood (or adulthood... thanks Ian.) Every single detail has been meticulously crafted to encourage women positivity. Amidst working ardently, toiling through obstacles, maintaining relationships and having time for yourself, remember to make time for self-love and care! Grow along with Kaléi – learn to DIY a face exfoliant (page 4), discover how women are making their mark in society (page 18) and dive into the lives of both genders in our Galentine’s special (page 12)! Flip to page 10 if you’re up for a tough and healthy fight! Here’s to those who dare to dream, let Kaléi be your place of solace and inspiration. Remember: A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just blooms.

CHERYL LIM Editor of Kaléi

MELANlS TAl Sub-Editor

CHEW WEl Yl Designer

lSABELLA CAl Photo Editor

RlCHELLE VERGARA Reporter

BEAUTY

Be a Trendy Kool-rean Are you a K-beauty enthusiast? WINNIE unravels the trendy tips and tricks behind K-beauty t’s official – the letter ‘K’ has taken over the little red dot. We’ve seen it all – how Korean Pop (K-Pop), dramas and its cuisine have paved their way into our hearts. Now, Korean beauty (K-beauty), has expanded massively in Singapore over the years.

How did Korean culture make such a prominent existence in our country in the first place? Trends come and go, but Korean beauty enthusiasts are dedicated in following and achieving the latest make-up look. While many decide to spend their time ‘fangirling’ over popular idols from their favourite Korean boy bands and dramas, Korean beauty enthusiasts examine the latest Korean beauty trends. Like Korean culture, Korean beauty itself has gained a massive following, resulting in the escalation of numerous Korean cosmetic brands here in Singapore. In the last five years, the number of K-beauty brands available in our tiny red dot has significantly increased from 15 in 2010 to more than 50 in 2016. The market is dominated by a few large brands and a plethora of small labels. Certain Korean cosmetic brands have opened chains of outlets locally, with Laneige topping the list with 30 outlets, Etude House at 17 and Innisfree at seven. New brands such as Tony Moly and The History of Whoo have emerged in the year 2016, giving rise to the number of Korean cosmetic brands in Singapore. According to a poll done by Vaseline in 2015 to mark the launch of the new Vaseline Spray Moisturiser, they found that women spend an average of

722 days perfecting their health and beauty regimes in their lifetime. That is a little more than two years of time; all spent on experimenting the latest make-up looks and products. “Korean beauty trends change every six to eight months, and the changes can be huge or subtle. As I work in a Korean cosmetic shop, workers are required to wear the latest make up trend look during work,” remarked Charmaine Lee, 23, a full-time worker at Etude House. Despite beauty trends being expeditious in their changes, the hearts of Korean beauty enthusiasts are set on following the latest trends. If you wish to keep up with Korean beauty trends but don’t know how to, watching popular K-dramas is a great way to start! Most female leads in Korean dramas are the main reason to the breakout of most make-up trends. There is no guarantee that these trends mentioned will be prevalent tomorrow, considering its fast paced changes within the past year. Wonder what are the top four trends that can complete the perfect Korean make-up look in 2017? A matte complexion, rounder-shaped eyebrows, flushed cheeks and soft pink lips are exactly what you need to look like your favourite Korean girl group or K-drama actress. Quoting Roy T. Bennett, “To shine your brightest light is to be who you truly are.” Follow your heart and pick the make-up trend that suits you best! Photos by Isabella Cai

BEAUTY

(1)

(2)

(3) (4)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Matte Complexion

Round-shaped Brows

Flushed Cheeks

Soft Pink Lips

First introduced in 2015, the dewy skin had everyone going wild for its ability to make a person look more youthful and natural – something we all strive for. However, the trend evolved quickly and moved on to the matte complexion look.

For the longest time, straight eyebrows were the in-thing. In a study by the University of Lethbridge Canada in 2014, it revealed that brows are more important than eyes when creating a lasting impression. This trend is achieved by filling in your eyebrows' natural shape.

Most Korean make-up trends revolve around the idea of innocence and purity. Having flushed cheeks is one trick to attain such a look. Pinkish cheeks can make you look more vibrant, a locus that is popular amongst Korean men.

Your lips can be the most striking feature when make-up is done right. The gradient lip trend has officially retired and it's now all about the soft pink lips!

The new trend is popular for its potential to make one look more sophisticated and chic. It is best achieved when baby powder is used after applying base make-up. It makes your skin look soft and muted, giving you the seemingly perfect complexion.

Despite the miniscule change in eyebrow shape, round brows make you look more genuine and candid, whereas straight ones can sometimes make you look fierce and intimidating. You wouldn't want that!

Feeling worn out and dreadful? Slap on some blush to look more energetic! However, too much blush is not good. Looking natural while sporting products on your face is an important principle that is heavily emphasised in the K-beauty world.

Soft colours on your lips give a pure, charming and ‘aegyo’ look, a Korean term commonly associated with cuteness. This new lip trend is worn by females to attract a male's attention in Korea! Commonly seen on female idols such as Krystal Jung and Bae Suzy, you can now sport the look while enticing your 'oppa'!

BEAUTY

SCRUB IT OFF ! WEI YI learns more about skincare and concocts homemade exfoliants to give you soft and supple skin

ay goodbye to dull, flaky and blemished skin with two au naturel remedies to incorporate into your next do-it-yourself (DIY) facial, regardless of your skin type. Cleansing, toning and moisturising – everyone knows that skincare is extremely important. On the days you want extra pampering, you probably throw on a face mask to top off your skincare regime. In a study published in 2014 by The International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 90 per cent of Asian women aged 14 to 28 are increasingly going for self-pampering at home, using leave-on skincare products like masks. Eighty-four per cent of these women reported using brightening products that did not provide the bright, radiant glow they wanted. This is where exfoliation comes into play, a step commonly overlooked by teenagers and young adults. “People think the extra step is unnecessary, and exfoliants in stores tend to be costly. But people don’t know that not exfoliating will make our skin rough and our pimples heal slower,” explained Serene Ku, beautician at Velvet dé Beauté. According to WebMD in 2012, exfoliation is defined as the removal of dead surface skin cells on your face. The skin repairs itself

approximately every 27 days, leading to the build-up of dead skin cells on your face. The buildup traps facial oils, dirt and impurities, making up one of the most common causes of acne and redness among teenagers today. Exfoliation removes the dullness in our skin and unclogs pores filled with dust particles and bacteria. This leaves for brighter, smoother skin to appear almost immediately after, allowing better penetration for other skincare products applied. If you’re feeling restless and sleep deprived, exfoliating can make you look awake – as if you had a good night’s rest. “My skin feels good afterwards and it controls my breakouts. My skin used to have tons of old pimple scars but exfoliating really helped lighten them,” said Lim Shi Ni, 18, a junior college student. Also according to WebMD, exfoliation improves blood circulation; giving you the dewy, glowing look everyone yearns for, usually only achievable by Korean beauty products. However, Serene shared that store-bought exfoliants are filled with alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs), which are chemicals that dry out your skin. These chemicals help “exfoliate” by peeling away the first layer of skin, causing skin to thin out and become easily irritated if used regularly. Nobody wants hyper pigmented, sensitive and blemished skin, right? Give yourself a weekly treat with Serene’s favourite exfoliating scrubs – Hydrating Oatmeal Scrub for *sensitive skin and Invigorating Coffee Scrub for oily skin. These home remedies are concocted with ingredients you probably have lying around at home. Do start with a clean face patted dry, then scrub the dirt off your skin and shine! *Sensitive skin: Feels burning sensation or itch after using products with harsh chemicals like alcohol, ammonium and sodium lauryl sulfate

BEAUTY

HYDRATING OATMEAL SCRUB Oatmeal has natural hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties that is extremely gentle, perfect for all skin types. It contains Saponins, a natural cleansing agent that thoroughly cleanses our pores. This scrub will definitely be your Holy Grail product if you suffer from acne-prone or sensitive skin!

To 2 tbsp of raw rolled oats, add 1 tbsp of honey and 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.

Mix well and leave to sit for 10 minutes. The oats should be soft, but not mushy.

Gently exfoliate in small circular motions for 1-2 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

INVIGORATING COFFEE SCRUB Coffee is a natural anti-inflammatory treat for your skin that improves blood circulation and reduces puffiness. It absorbs excess oil on your face, perfect for those with normal to oily skin. Caffeine, loaded with antioxidants, helps tighten the skin and lighten dark circles, giving your skin a quick pick-me-up!

Add 1 tbsp of lukewarm water to 1 tbsp of regular coffee grounds. Be sure to not use tap water!

Mix well till it forms a thick paste. Add more coffee grounds if your mixture is too watery.

Apply in circular motions, avoiding your eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Pro Tip! After exfoliation, your pores are open and it’s the best time to get all that junk out. Slather on your favourite face mask right after for that extra glow! Remember to tone and moisturise to keep potential pimples at bay. Photos by Chew Wei Yi

BEAUTY

HAIR

DAMAGE

FIGHT

OR FLIGHT?

Sick of bad hair days? RICHELLE discovers the truth behind damaged hair to bring glory to your precious locks

ine in 10 women still believe that their hair has little to no damage. However, according to a Dove Hair Care study in 2009, research shows that all women have hair damage, but they just don’t realise it. This comes off as no surprise because, whether it is curling our hair into fancy up-dos or dyeing it a new colour, it’s hard to avoid dry and damaged hair when we treat our hair like a science experiment. To understand how hair gets damaged, we have to first understand what makes a strand of hair. Each strand of hair has three layers. The protective outer layer is called the cuticle, the middle layer is called the cortex and the innermost layer is called the medulla. When the hair is exposed to harsh conditions such as excessive heat and toxic chemicals, the cuticle gets damaged. This results in hair dryness, breakage and split ends. To put it simply, having our hair dyed, bleached, curled, straightened and even tied up in a ponytail have damaging effects. So why do women insist on allowing their hair to go through such extreme measures just to look good?

" Due to the many trends, girls will style their hair in so many ways to keep up and look pretty."

– Mae Ann, hair stylist from Jose Bezel Photo by Chew Wei Yi

BEAUTY In a news article done by award-winning hair stylist Andrew Collinge in 2010, it is said that the typical woman would have had her hair layered, shortened or coloured twice a year between the ages of 13 and 65 – or 104 times in her life! Out of the 3,000 women surveyed, it was revealed that 44 per cent changed their hairstyle or colour simply because they were bored, and 66 per cent admit they “just wanted a change”.

"I've dyed my hair so many times I've lost count!"

– Charlene Wong, student

Charlene Wong, 18, is one of them. She exclaimed, “I’ve dyed my hair so many times I’ve lost count!” She added that before she decides what colour she wants, she would search up “latest hairstyles” to see what is a popular choice. She admits that she gets bored easily when she has the same hairstyle for too long. A damaging factor would be having our hair dyed multiple times. When applied, hair dye actually breaks the hair’s natural protection – the cuticle. Once the cuticle is broken, the peroxide – also known as bleach, will be able to remove your natural hair colour. This is what contributes to the damaged hair because peroxide is very drying, resulting in straw-like hair. So how do we achieve beautiful, coloured and healthy hair at the same time? If you’ve dyed your hair before, look out for shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate-free. Watson’s hair consultant, Sharon Tan, said that the best types of hair products are those made from “organic ingredients”. Natural oils and herbs will help to revitalise and nutritionise hair, repairing the damage. Avoid shampoos or conditioners that contain sodium lauryl or laurel sulfate as these chemicals can strip your hair of its natural protective oils. Additionally, did you know that our hair needs as much tender loving care as every other part of our body? According to the 2011 Hair Care report done by TODAY, 12 per cent of women do not take care of their hair because of the lack of time, especially early in the morning. Hence, they forgo important steps to achieve healthy hair such as using dry shampoo or hair moisturising products in the morning.

If you can resonate with this, why not try lightweight hair products that do not take a lot of time to set in. They actually strengthen and hydrate the hair, giving you and your hair that extra boost of confidence and beauty for the day ahead. However, the most contributing factor to the rise of hair damage is simply the lack of good hair care habits. According to the same Dove research, 90 per cent of women brush and heat style their hair daily, causing up to 23 and 33 per cent more damage to the hair respectively. Brushing your hair everyday can actually strip your hair of its natural shine and cause thinning and breakage in the hair. At the same time, applying excessive heat causes hair breakage. Also, having your hair up in a ponytail puts tension on your hair and breaks the follicle, which can lead to hair fall. Yet, we simply cannot avoid using combs, hair ties or even hair products. However, we can take steps to ensure the health of our hair. One step would be to use wide-tooth combs instead of thin ones. This will help to prevent hair fall and thinning. Also, try tying a loose ponytail or braids instead. You can even try finding hair curlers or straighteners that are of tourmaline ceramic material as it reduces the damage caused on hair when styling. Hair damage can’t be treated overnight, so try changing your daily hair routines to reduce hair damage. Be it skipping out on the hair curler or putting in that extra effort to moisturise your hair, you’ll find out the wonders these little changes can do to bring back the health and beauty to your precious locks.

DID YOU KNOW? A great way to build strength in your hair is by incorporating more protein in your diet, especially fish! Fish such as salmon, mackerel and trout also contain Omega-3 fatty acids that are essential in providing the oils to keep our scalp and hair moisturised. So, give your body the right nutrients and vitamins and watch your hair shine at its best!

H E A LT H

Drink Tea, FARAH unravels the science behind teatox and gives you the ‘skinny’ on this diet

s tea tox-ic? Teatox is undeniably popular for its claims of making one skinny, but what does it exactly do to your body? While some may agree that teatox aids in weight loss, let’s bust the myth behind this product and its notorious promises. If you haven’t already heard, teatox, or tea detoxification is a popular diet amongst the female population to aid digestion. You’ve probably seen it all on Instagram and Facebook where skinny girls credit teatox for their figures. Essentially, this diet involves a range of teas that entices consumers with claims to promote weight loss, detoxify, increase energy and boost metabolism. The first step to this diet is to purchase a teatox kit that can last anywhere between seven to 28 days. It can be a daytime, nighttime tea routine or both which can be gulped down in one shot on the same day. According to Bootea, a popular teatox brand, the daytime tea containing caffeine gives you the energy boost to kick-start your day, while the nighttime tea helps to remove toxins in your body due to its laxative effect. The New Paper revealed that more than 10,000 people have tried Skinnymint products, a teatox company launched in February 2011. Since then, the popularity of such teas has soared, with SkinnyMint leveraging on local Instagram influencers to advertise their products, thus

H E A LT H garnering support from 620,000 people worldwide and counting. Svetlana Sarantseva, director of Dietary Coach which provides weight-loss coaching, discourages teatox as a diet for long-term weight loss. She explained, “The best way to lose weight is to have a balanced lifestyle. Eat nutritious food, stay active and sleep more! Practicing good habits is better than taking something that might move your bowels.” After analysing various teatox brands including SkinnyMint, BooTea and Skinny Teatox, it’s evident that most teas include certain ingredients, such as green tea, guarana, senna and caffeine. “When you take too much caffeine, your blood sugar level is reduced, which makes you hungrier, and you might end up eating way more than you should,” commented Pooja Vig, nutritionist at The Nutrition Clinic. She also added that “excess in caffeine may cause insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and increased in heart rate and respiration.” Syasya Syuhada, 18, shared her experience drinking SkinnyMint tea, “I ordered the 28-day detox from SkinnyMint in hopes of actually losing weight. I don’t enjoy exercising and when I saw

advertisements for the teatox, I got interested.” “I did manage to accomplish my goal of losing 2kg, but I felt so horrible about myself. There were the cramps, the dizziness and the emergency toilet breaks… It wasn’t too pretty.” Bootea claims to be “a passionate health and weight loss company that strives to promote an active, healthy and balanced lifestyle.” Similarly, Swami Mami has similar claims, wanting their consumers to keep a healthy and balanced diet. It’s obvious that these companies are aware that their products contribute insignificantly to weight loss. Essentially, the key to fat loss is by having caloric deficit, which means burning more calories than what you consume, according to Dr John P. Hussman of the Hussman Fitness. Hence, diet, exercise and calorie intake plays a significant role regarding weight lost. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – teatox might not be the healthiest way to shed those extra kilos! Remember, beauty is only skin deep and how you feel should go beyond what you look on the outside. If you want to make a change, do it for yourself! Don’t do it because you want to look like someone else, do it because you love your body and you want to feel good. Loving yourself is the greatest revolution. You go, girl!

Green Tea

Guarana

Senna

Best known for its strong smell and welcoming taste, green tea has other health benefits. According to Authoritynation. com, it’s a good energiser which contains antioxidants that can boost metabolism and reduce the risk of heart diseases. It also reduces appetite, aiding in weight loss with three to four per cent more calories burnt daily.

According to Livescience. com, the South American fruit and herbal supplement contain more than twice the amount of caffeine in a coffee bean. It’s present in energy drinks such as Monster and Red Bull. As guarana contains a large dosage of caffeine, over-ingesting could result in other undesirable side effects.

According to Drugs.com, the herb is commonly used as a laxative. Its usage should be limited, or best, avoided for long-term use. It can result in pigmentation of the colon, weakness of the body and dependency on laxatives. However, it can be used to relieve constipation by stimulating your colon muscle.

H E A LT H

Photo Courtesy of Caryl Lim

S till you

make it! Work it, girl! CHERYL explores beyond the petite and chirpy demeanor of Caryl Lim to uncover her passion for Muay Thai

tanding proudly at 1.53m, you can hear her boisterous laughter from miles away. But think twice before looking down on her, she is a tigress. Lounging around in her tank top, Muay Thai shorts and disheveled ponytail, Caryl Lim revels in punching, kicking and getting hit. Cheerful by nature, you’d be stunned by Caryl’s drastic transformation when fighting it out in the ring and coaching her students in the gym. Like Mark Twain once said, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.” Stepping into a testosterone-charged environment might be daunting to an average girl, but for Impact MMA’s first female Muay Thai fighter, this is exactly where she finds solace. Any trepidation dissipates almost immediately, replaced by elation upon entering the gym that reeks of sheer hard work. Caryl expressed, “Muay Thai is an outlet to channel your energy out. It tests both your physical and mental limits – how far you’re able to push yourself, especially when the going gets tough.” She finds delight in the blood, sweat and tears that she dedicates to the daily grind of self-training

H E A LT H and teaching. Her weekly routine includes strength training, interval training and runs, with her Thursdays specially reserved for classes for women of various ages and races. Her love affair with the sport only bloomed at 19. Now 26, she has snagged several victories under her belt. She admitted sheepishly, “I had a sedentary lifestyle and dreaded PE classes. After graduating from junior college, I thought I should try something different to be healthier and fitter.” “I’m normally very drained afterwards. But Caryl is very encouraging, always pushing us to do our best. Sometimes I dread going for classes, but it’s always worth it and very satisfying,” admitted Cherie Chung, 18, a student of Caryl. Given her build, it’s easy for Caryl to blend in with her students. Yet, all of them look up to her with undeniable reverence. Watching the ladies spar with one another with such determination can be slightly unnerving, but the tenacity that their lithe bodies possessed was definitely impressive. Indeed, Muay Thai is an aggressive sport, but gone were the days when it was only for tough males. Caryl is determined to dispel the notion that there is no place for women in Muay Thai. Though still a predominantly male sport, there has been a rising trend of women joining the realm of Muay Thai and similar hardcore sports. Nazri Sutari, 26, an instructor and fighter at Impact MMA since 2012, has witnessed a growth of at least 30 per cent in the number of female members over the years. Caryl, whose role model is Ronda Rousey, attributes the rise of this trend to media’s exposure. She explained, “We are heavily influenced by the media. Girls who learn about female Muay Thai fighters or any combat sports will naturally feel inspired.” Many women who sign up for Muay Thai have also discovered the intrinsic health and fitness benefits. Fighting, kicking and punching require agility and strength that will get your heart pumping and you panting. Muay Thai incorporates a balanced workout that improves overall flexibility and

reflexes – including physical conditioning and technical combat skills such as the combination of moves. But does a healthier body guarantee a healthier mind? Engaging both heart and mind, Muay Thai keeps your brain sharp, boosting your focus and concentration! It also trains self-discipline, challenging you to conquer adversity. Caryl who sees Muay Thai as a mentally challenging game, clarified, “Not only does Muay Thai train your overall fitness and health, it also strengthens your mental tenacity. That’s how I’m able to withstand getting punched in the face and sustaining huge bruises on my legs.” Success comes with a cost. It’s a misnomer to think that someone this determined to make her mark in the world wouldn’t face obstacles in her journey. Long hours trapped in a stuffy gym sweating it out, knuckles raw from contact and muscles feeling like lead weights are enough to knock someone down. Caryl admitted that she had been condemned for being a fighter and “not a girly girl”. Initially, her parents had their reservations as she used to return home with bruises. Even her friends had tried persuading her to change her mind. However, they are still not enough to defeat Caryl and her indomitable spirit. With a hearty laugh, Caryl spurred, “Always have courage! There’s this weird satisfaction of punching and kicking things. Sure, it might be painful and tiring but it definitely gives you a sense of empowerment. It’s never bad to feel strong, right?”

Originating from Thailand, Muay Thai is one of the most powerful martial arts worldwide. Known for its tremendous power and maximum efficiency, the “Art of Eight Limbs” was developed thousands of years ago as a form of close-combat that uses the entire body as a weapon.

GALENTINE'S SPECIAL

DEAR DIARY, ITS D-DAY! Dive into the lives of both genders with IAN and RICHELLE this Valentine’s! To date or not to date – it’s the burning question that haunts us throughout the day. Men and women are vastly different, so it can be helpful to know about the thoughts and feelings of the other gender. If you’ve scored yourself a date this Valentine’s, here’s a sneak peek of both genders react on D-Day!

10Am It's finally D-Day! I don't know how to feel. This is the first date of my life... Er... What do I do now? What to say to her later? Should I go for the hot mysterious terrorist look or the cute innocent boy-next-door look?

Alas, l finally opened my eyes... Now, time to stalk his Instagram. His feed seems ordinary. Oh my, who’s this girl? His arms are around her waist… Only five days ago? Let’s stalk her… Aw man, it’s a private account. l haven’t been on a date in ages. Should l do my nails and curl my hair? How much make-up should l wear? Wow, l’m overreacting. Can’t show that l’m trying too hard, it’ll make me look desperate!

Ian 12pm

The date's at 7pm. I have lots of time to prepare. What should I wear? A pink shirt would leave a lasting impression but a white shirt would be a safer choice. Okay, calm down Ian. One step at a time. Remember, men are like waffles, we plan everything systematically.

2pm Richelle 12

What should l wear, hmm… Flowers or stripes? Stripes make me look fat. ls an off-shoulder dress showing too much? Will the bodycon skirt look too tight? Urgh, why don’t l have anything to wear? Time to call the BFF. Illustrations by Richelle Vergara

GALENTINE'S SPECIAL Ian, you idiot! How could you forget the flowers? No wonder you're single! OK, what should I say to her? How about, "Hey, you look gorgeous today. Did you take long to get ready?" Wait, no! That's basically saying that she's ugly. Come on, you can do better!

4pm Should I go for the cleanshaven look? Or try to pull off the Zayn Malik look? Gosh, who am I kidding? I'm just a stickman with no abs – in fact, my tummy is threatening to spill today. Now’s not the time! Let's drop her a text to confirm the date!

lt’s already 4pm and l haven’t even decided on my outfit yet! Eenie-meenie–oooh! This one’s cute and lnstagram worthy. Definitely going with this. You go Richelle, work that outfit!

6pm

Oh my gosh. Oh my. He just texted! All right Richelle, check your spelling, no emojis and certainly no double texting. l still can’t believe he actually offered to pick me up. That’s quite sweet.

She replied me! Good job Ian, I always knew you had it in you. You have the physical features of David Beckham and the heart of Jackie Chan. No girl will be able to resist your charms.

8pm

SIGNS THAT HE’S A KEEPER OR A WEINER 1. If your pseudo “Prince Charming” turns up late for your date with no reason, leave! The last guy you’d want to date is one with no intentions of being serious with you. 2. If he keeps being on his phone scrolling through Instagram or texting, drop him. He isn’t worth your precious time. 3. If he seems touchy on the first few dates, he is probably trying to get into your pants. Ditch him! 4. You can tell his character from his way of words. If he talks too much about himself, chances are he doesn’t care about your life. - Suki Tong, Relationship Expert, lifemagic works

10pm

It started off well... but now I have nothing else to talk about. I've rambled on about myself and it's getting awkward. Gosh, I'm sweating so much from this stress. Wait... did she just grab my arm?

I think I screwed up big time... I just went on and on while she kept quiet. I should drop her a text... "Hey! Today was really fun but I'm sorry for being such a wreck. I hope you enjoyed the date and I really like you..."

l’m impressed! The car ride wasn’t that awkward and the food is good. He’s nervous... That’s cute! l accidentally touched his arm, but l’m glad he kept it cool. Where’s the pause button on this guy? l’m getting bored from listening to him. Time for Cinderella to make her great escape...

l’m finally home… l’m so tired. He just texted! He said he liked me? Wait, what? Do l like him back? Maybe a second date will help me figure that out... Good thing he’s cute. “Hey! l had fun too! Do you want to watch a movie next week?”

GALENTINE'S SPECIAL

Lush Affai r

Need some pampering? CHERYL indulges in Lush haven to uncover products perfect for a girls' night in

elf-care is the best healthcare that helps you to be at your optimum, so always make some time to unwind. Grab your girlfriends and treat yourselves to Lush’s natural products! What’s more relaxing than a well-deserved pampering session from head to toe?

“Lush firmly believes in the whole idea of treating yourself right,” shared Glashryl Maria, 22, a sales assistant at Lush Suntec City. Seventy per cent of Lush products are purely vegetarian products with fewer preservatives. Get ready to feel freshly invigorated with Lush’s top products for your face, body and hair for a girls’ night in. Happy pampering!

BB Seaweed : Food for your Face

Maria rates BB Seaweed as the number one fresh face mask storewide. The seaweed nourishes the skin, while the ground almonds gently exfoliate the skin. It also has rose absolute that soothes rough patches! It’s highly recommended for people with oily and sensitive skins as it moisturises and restores skin radiance.

you rocketing away from the chaos in life. It

But the texture can be overly lumpy and bits of seaweed tend to fall off when left on the face for too long, so wash off the mask after 15 minutes!

Price : $31/75g Rating : Worth-buying : A

go-to for a mood lift or a counterattack against breakout!

H 'suan Wen Hua : Heads Up

Given Singapore’s humidity, untamed frizzy hair is no stranger. Literally food for the hair, this treatment is a concoction of fresh ingredients, with bananas and avocados that are rich in oils to help moisturise and soften the hair, and eggs with nutritious proteins to strengthen the hair. If you’re losing hair, this is your life savior. Take note: The smell might turn off those who dislike bananas and eggs so get a sample first!

Price : $38/255g Rating : Worth-buying : It’s

on the pricier end so you might want to share it with your friends!

Photo b

y Isabell

a Cai

GALENTINE'S SPECIAL

natural\

and soap it up! N

othing feels better than treating yourself to a nice bath after a tedious day at work. Natural bar soaps might just become the necessity for your next shower!

According to MarketResearch.com in 2015, consumers above the age of 18 are more cognizant of the ingredients in the products they use, causing a spike in the demand of natural goods. Here are a few popular buys among ladies, but are they worth the buy?

Lavender Bastille: Natural Soap from Soaplah

If you’re feeling stressed out over work or studies, lavender natural soap has the ability to eliminate nervousness and enhance blood circulation! Here’s another exceptional benefit that might entice you towards the soap. According to Natural Living Ideas, lavender essential oils can heal scars, burns and wounds effectively due to its anti-microbial properties. “It really does work, my acne scars did lighten after only one week of use,” commented Zira Idris, 25, who tried and tested the soap.

Price: $8.90 rating:

Join WINNIE as she finds out whether natural soaps are worth the buy

Grapefruit & Mint: Plant-based Soap from ECOStore

The combination of grapefruit and mint might sound absurd. But grapefruit essential oils include fatty acids that repair the skin’s moisture barrier, while mint is known for its aromatic nature and toning properties. Perfect for restoring your skin! However, this soap is not recommended for those who have dry or sensitive skin. “The merger of these two gives the soap a unique smell and mysterious aura. The minty smell makes me so calm!” remarked Zira.

Price: $6.00 rating:

Orange: Natural Soap from Mt. Sapola

Mt. Sapola is raved for their wide range of natural soaps, but the orange scented soap is rated the best for its health benefits. It contains orange essential oils, which has antiseptic properties to treat acne and eczema, as proven by Organicfacts.com. “It smells really good I have to admit, and it’s smooth on the skin!” mentioned Zira.

innie

by W Photo

Ong

Price: $8.90 rating:

The real question is; are natural soaps worth the money? It’s a big fat YES! With the wide array of natural soaps available in the market, there is surely a scent that will appeal to you. What are you waiting for? Don’t settle for less and treat yourself better by using natural soaps!

GALENTINE'S SPECIAL

Drink Pink

on Wednesdays

MELANIS shows you how to spice things up with your girlfriends with Strawberry Shortcake Sangria

sweet alcoholic concoction carried by the gentle breeze filled the air as she carefully perched a ruby red strawberry on the mouth of a wine glass. The moonlight bounces off the countertop and glistens in the sparkly pink cocktail that has just been served. We all know that Wednesday Nights are Ladies Nights. That spells cheap drinks for all of us outside. We know that having a night out with your girlfriends is precious, but the thought of having to mingle with the night crowd can be tiring when all you want to do is to hold a drink in one hand… or both. Yet, staying at home might seem a little dull because, let’s face it – alcohol makes everything better. Psst! – what if I told you that there is a way to spice up chill nights at home with your girlfriends?

To quote Mean Girls, “We wear pink on Wednesdays”, but today, we will show you how to drink pink until you’re tickled pink too by teaching you how to make some sweet ol’ Strawberry Shortcake Sangria – a secret recipe shared with us from Lycia Yee, 20, a bartender at Da Paolo Bistro Bar. She observed a trend regarding the preference of drinks that female youths are leaning towards. “Most female youths tend to go for sweeter drinks like cocktails with more fruits, or sweet wine,” she revealed. She also added that the aesthetics of the drinks matter as most females go for drinks with vibrant colours like red and pink. In this modern era, every Sangria recipe can be much more different and innovative – especially Lycia’s. Lycia’s concoction came about because of her sweet tooth for desserts and enthusiasm for alcohol and bartending. The Strawberry Shortcake Sangria gives her the best of both worlds. It has the fresh sweetness of the strawberries while retaining the sharp tingling of the alcohol. All while keeping it pink. Clad in pink, Nicole Alano, 21, who enjoys drinking with her girlfriends, admired the pretty sparkly pink drink in her hands before taking a sip of it. She exclaimed, “The Strawberry Shortcake Sangria is like a dessert version of alcohol. It’s sweet and it’s unique as I don’t really see such Sangrias or cocktails around and I really like the taste and the look of it.” This recipe is the answer to a perfect Girl’s Night IN with your girlfriends, so go ahead and share it with them. Remember to wear pink, drink pink and be tickled pink on Wednesdays!

GALENTINE'S SPECIAL

750ml Pink Moscato 200ml Vanilla Vodka 1/2 cup strawberries Strawberry syrup: 3/4 cup strawberries 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup water Measuring cups Glass jug Pot and stove

1 2 3 4 5

Slice the strawberries carefully. Leave some whole to decorate your drink at the end! To make the strawberry syrup, add the strawberries, sugar and water into a pot. Bring to a boil for 1 – 2 minutes. Set the syrup mixture aside to sit and cool. It should look reddish-pink. Pour the cooled syrup into a jug. Add the vanilla vodka, pink moscato and remaining sliced strawberries.

Stir well and serve chilled. Admire the drink that is pretty in pink and enjoy!

Photos by Melanis Tai

LIFESTYLE To show you how capable women can be, here are two ordinary women with extraordinary passion, twisting stereotypes and crushing them hard!

WEI YI unveils how Krystal Choo and Fenyx Seah break stereotypes about their age and gender one day at a time

en are strong, women are weak – this is just one of the many common stereotypes society has against women today. Rising above the standard and living up to their own worth, two female entrepreneurs promote the success of women making their mark.

Gender Stereotypes in Mass Media by Wolska in 2011 states that men are always known to be assertive and independent financial providers, while women fit the gender roles of loving wives and mothers. However, there has been a rising trend of women proving such stereotypes otherwise. A study on a city’s ability to foster growth of female entrepreneurs by The Republic in 2011 revealed that Singapore is among the top five best cities with high performing female entrepreneurs, amongst western cities including New York, London and Paris.

Imagine working in an environment outnumbered by men. Daunting. Technology, an industry dominated by men, only has 8.2 per cent of them being females. But here lies CEO Krystal Choo, whose mobile application, Wander, is reigning the industry. At 29, she is not only part of the Top 10 Fearless Singaporean Female Entrepreneurs of 2016 but also a two-time TEDx speaker. As early as five years old, her father’s old computer in his office sparked young Krystal’s love for technology. However, her dreams were crushed when her parents discouraged the idea of pursuing Computer Science as she had no chance against "the Indian boys". After graduation, Krystal took up marketing jobs but felt insatiably aimless. After a decade, she decided to make a change, rekindling her love for technology by launching Wander, a brainchild that holds an

Photos by

Chew Wei

LIFESTYLE important place in her heart. The Internet’s ability to provide knowledge and connect people inspired the creation of Wander. Krystal wanted something original, even more powered with the ability to benefit others. Determined to prove that girls are equally as good at technology, Krystal worked her way up and developed business proposals and mobile applications from scratch. These diminished the doubts her fellow businessmen had about her, propelling her to success. Given her talent and passion, Krystal has gained the respect of both genders in the industry. Defeating the odds and climbing up the technology industry ladder, Krystal is truly a force to be reckoned with.

She is a modern time wonder woman. Tackling social media pages Driven by her passion for the food industry, Fenyx and administrative Seah, 23, opened Sunday Market, a café tucked in matters while running the café at the same a corner of Lim Tua Tow Road. time isn’t as easy as it seems. Sending personal messages to loyal customers on Facebook As the only female in the team, she uses this to and asking them for feedback and maintaining her advantage, bringing valuable marketing and close relations with them became a norm. Every managerial advice from a female’s perspective. festive season, she would cook up a new menu Her sensitivity towards customers allows her to for customers to enjoy, and bring in exceptional provide refreshing insights. However, starting the ice cream flavours each month. Fenyx strongly café at a young age of 21 doesn’t believes that being different can mean Fenyx had it easy. create a lasting impression. “The difference At 15, Fenyx left school to relieve her family’s financial issues and worked long hours endlessly. Feeling incompetent, she found comfort in the adrenaline from theft. Only when she was caught and put on probation did she decide to stop fooling around.

between someone great and someone average is only action. If we, regular born and bred women of different ages, races and backgrounds can become female entrepreneurs, it shows how anyone can, as long you take action.”

Without a GCE ‘O’ Level certificate, she was stripped from well-paying office jobs, resorting to working at a café. She found solace in its tranquil atmosphere which made her determined to start a café – in hopes of providing a cosy and quiet environment for patrons to sip on delectable cups of coffee.

Unfortunately, Fenyx’s family and friends were unsupportive and doubted her capabilities of running a café given her age. Yet, she continued to have faith and worked till her savings were sufficient to run a café.

- Krystal Choo

“Some people still don’t take me seriously because I’m still young. Then I thought, why should I let other people map out my life for me? Focus on your passion and not what others think of you,” Fenyx remarked. Running the operations and constantly brainstorming for new ways to spice up her café, Fenyx is no longer seen as an immature youth, but a passionate female entrepreneur whose journey has just begun.

With more female entrepreneurs making their mark in different industries, it only proves that women have equal capabilities as men. If both Krystal and Fenyx can turn their dreams into reality despite obstacles thrown at them, yours too can be fulfilled. Believe in yourself and keep your passion burning! Slowly, you’ll see your dreams come alive, then you show them who’s boss.

LIFESTYLE

Pho

to b

y Is

abe

lla C ai

CAMO AND AMMO MELANIS gets down and dirty with Rena Mak to unearth the joys and tribulations of females in the army

he musky smell of sweat and mud fills the stagnant air beneath the trees as she treads cautiously through the bushes in her muddy black combat boots and camouflage attire. Gripping on the rifle so tightly, it seems like her life depends on it. Or does it? Rena Mak, or rather – Officer Cadet (OCT) Rena, was just a child when she set her heart and mind on wanting to become a soldier. While other girls dreamt of being princesses, Rena believed she was born to be part of the military. However, her childhood dream received many frowns.

Why? All because no girl should ever be a soldier. But these discouragements only fed her dreams and determination to be part of the army. Eventually, Rena proved everyone wrong by signing on to be an Infantry Officer with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) upon her graduation from Singapore Polytechnic last year. The SAF revealed that amongst the 20,000 over enlistments each year, only approximately 70 are female recruits, with the highest intake consisting of 140 females in 2014.

LIFESTYLE Rena takes pride in being one of the 35 females of the Pegasus Company. Currently, not only does she train to combat enemies, she also combats stereotypes and discriminations from being in the army.

The challenges she face don’t just stop at the physicals – there are also emotional and mental aspects. Being away from her family took a huge toll on her as it was her first time experiencing such loneliness.

Rena’s male friends were unsupportive of her joining the army. Some questioned her abilities to even pass the Basic Military Training (BMT) or the shooting range. However, she shot those doubts down by emerging as the marksman of her company, leaving them in awe. She disclosed, “I hate when people think that just because I’m a girl means I can’t do what boys do. I signed on as an Infantry Officer and I think I deserve to be respected as one.”

“I cried every night during confinement. I couldn’t control myself for the first three weeks,” she disclosed.

Besides a skillful marksman, she is also an expert in digging shell scrapes. While many soldiers take more than three hours to dig a shell scrape, she finds it a joy and needs only one and a half hour to complete one.

The mention of her section mates brings a wide beam to Rena’s face and a twinkle in her eye. She laughed, “There’s a saying that BMT friends are friends for life, and I think that’s the truth.”

Rena’s friend, Leonard Foo, admitted that he was “initially shocked” that Rena was joining the army but warmed up to the idea eventually. He added, “She posseses a feisty character and would definitely have a good place in the army as a potential officer. It is no surprise that she’s the marksman or digs fast – she packs a punch of sheer determination and willpower.” However, not everything is a bed of roses for Rena and her female counterparts in the army. There’s no such thing as special treatment for females. They are expected to meet similar or even higher standards as their male counterparts. While other companies marched at a pace of 4km per hour, Rena’s Company had to march at a pace of 4km per 40 minutes, deeming it as the most challenging segment in training. They train weekly for long distance marches with their 15kg Full Battle Order. With a regretful sigh, she confessed, “I have fallen out a few times for the route march. It’s not because I gave up but I actually fainted from it.” Despite that, Rena persevered on and spent her weekend book-outs to train even harder. She revealed, “I would wake up early in the morning, stuff 15kg worth of dumbbells into my backpack and don on a windbreaker to head out to jog and march by myself.”

It became so severe that there were times during confinement when she considered giving up to reunite with her family. Fortunately, her section mates showered her with “a whole new level of care and concern” by being constantly there for her.

to be the kind to ditch “ l usedactivities because of a little bit of pain. But now, what the hell is pain?

”

– Rena Mak

With such a strict lifestyle, Rena now finds joy in the smallest of things, especially admin time because it’s the only chance for them to shop online. She chuckled upon recounting an experience in BMT during the launch of the Kylie Lip Kit, “The Kylie Lip Kit was launched in the last five minutes of our admin time so my girls and I rushed and added everything into our carts and checked out – we didn’t even know what we were buying. The Tekong connection was so bad so we checked out and prayed.” With so many sacrifices to make and stereotypes to be busted, the question is: Are girls really up for the tough army life? Rena is all in! She spurred, “Of course, it’s hard but think about it – a female fighting for her nation. Isn’t that something to be extremely proud of?” She is looking forward to commissioning as an officer before proceeding to further her studies in university. However, she will return to serve the nation as a soldier with a degree.

FOOD

Cooking Up

A Difference

ISABELLA learns about Pamelia Chia's highs and lows of being a young female chef.

s Pamelia treads carefully down the slippery walkway, clinging tightly onto her mother’s arms, the auntie from the poultry store calls out to her, “Xiao Mei!” A little down the road, the uncle from the vegetable store gives the bubbly little girl a high-five.

Photo by Isabella Cai

These frequent wet market visits Pamelia Chia took with her mother as a child, set the foundation for her love for food. Though she lists no particular person as her role model, the 25-year-old credits her mother as one who “has been particularly instrumental in inculcating a love and curiosity for food and ingredients”.

FOOD The young chef’s strong interest in food led her to study Food Science and Technology at the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2010.

Pamelia views these shared meals as a medium for discussions regarding what’s “pertinent to making Singapore a better place to live”.

Following her graduation, Pamelia went on to work as a pastry chef for a year and a half before landing her current job as a line cook at Candlenut – a modern Peranakan restaurant.

Their latest dinner, ‘The Discarded Plate’ focused on the issue of food wastage. To allow guests a meal to be fully immersed in the topic, Pamelia and her friend – Maxine Ngooi, concocted dishes made of ingredients frequently thrown away, such as vegetable scraps and watermelon rind.

Although earning a spot in the kitchen crew of a one-Michelin star restaurant may be a dream come true for Pamelia, she does not deny the adversities that accompany her pursuit of this aspiration. “A challenge is to not remain stagnant and to learn as much as I can. Unlike other professions, being a line cook has an expiry date – you need youth to stay fast and alert in the kitchen,” remarked Pamelia. Besides having a self-imposed pressure to learn quickly in her job, Pamelia faces other potential stumbling blocks in her profession - such as the food industry’s glass ceiling. She reasoned that men rule the chef world because “qualities with characteristically masculine attributes such as speed, agility, single-mindedness, decisiveness, both physical and mental strength and tenacity” are needed to thrive in a kitchen.

One may wonder how Pamelia balances working full time and managing Hygge but she brushes it aside saying, “It is easy to balance between Hygge and work by doing preparation for Hygge on my days off.”

Though balancing time between the two acts may be effortless, the zealous cook admits that managing Hygge is not a walk the park. She elaborated, “Being a female in “Behind all the pretty fairy in F&B is lights, beautifully plated dishes smiling guests is a ton of intimidating but and labor – from planning, liaising I firmly believe with collaborators, to food preparation and transport, and that females even cleaning up every single have many soiled dish in the sink after the last guest has gone.”

virtues that merit their stay in kitchens.”

The self-professed workaholic and perfectionist confessed that she struggles to make time – Pamelia Chia Despite this, she is not letting for other things such as “family, gender determine her success in friends, or even date nights”. the industry. She elaborated, “Being a female in Despite that, Pamelia’s zeal for gastronomy and F&B is intimidating but I firmly believe that females belief in the significance of Hygge are what have many virtues that merit their stay in kitchens.” drives her to press on. She shared, “Cooking professionally is not just a vocation; it is a way Aside from her stint at Candlenut, Pamelia runs of life.” Hygge (Dinners for Change), a marriage of her devotion to food and passion for bringing people A close friend of Pamelia – Rachel Leng, views together. The term ‘Hygge’ (pronounced hoo-ga) is Pamelia as a role model. She revealed, “I’m what the Danish use to describe cosiness. always inspired by how she pushes herself to be sincere in all her work and stays true to who she The concept of creating a warm atmosphere is and what she believes in. She seeks to always to enjoy life and “build a sense of community edify others with what she does.” in Singapore” was something Pamelia and her boyfriend – Wex, found lacking in our local culture. As for the future, Pamelia said she has no definitive plans so far. She disclosed, “I like to keep things Hygge organises dinners throughout the year, each open-ended. Hopefully Wex’s passion for urban focusing on gathering strangers for a meal and farming and my passion for food and cooking allowing meaningful conversations to take place. would meld and turn into something fruitful and greater than ourselves.”

FOOD

Veganism:

A PIECE OF CAKE FARAH learns more about the vegan diet, while exploring an easy vegan, after-school treat for all

eganism is on the rise and more Singaporean teens are switching to meat and dairy-free options to suit their lifestyles. Let’s discover if essential nutrients for growth are missing due to this diet. Gone are the days where people assumed veganism is exclusive to liberal and peace-loving hippies. CEO of Nutranourish.com, Menka Gupta explained, “The vegan diet is one of the healthiest there is because it is rich in high fiber foods, which is why there is a rising trend as people get more health-conscious. It is also great for people looking to lose weight or reduce calories.” However, many mistake this lifestyle for consisting of only greens and bland food. This misconception is far from the truth. Vegan and normal food taste similar, only more nourishing and wholesome for you! Additionally, making vegan food is a piece of cake! If you’re in need of some indulgence without the guilt, a vegan chocolate mug cake (with half the calories) might be your next go-to snack! As the name suggests, a chocolate mug (or bowl) cake is a mini cake for one. The recipe, courtesy of YouTuber Cheap Lazy Vegan, requires no more than six ingredients and just a microwave (or an oven would work just as well), and takes less effort and time. “When you said it was vegan, I thought it would taste horrible, but I’m actually quite surprised! If you

didn’t mention [that it was vegan], I wouldn’t have been able to tell,” commented Nur Irdina, a self-proclaimed “meat-lover” upon taking a bite of the dessert. This recipe serves one, the perfect addition to your morning coffee or afternoon tea! Have it with some fruits and berries, or nosh it straight from the bowl itself! Although it’s vegan, it’s recommended to indulge it sparingly. According to Everydayhealth.com, your body requires essential nutrients for growth like protein, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins which can still be met with the vegan diet.* Things you’ll need: • 1 bowl/mug • 1/4 tsp baking powder • 1 tbsp sugar • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • 3 tbsp non-dairy milk • 1.5 tbsp cocoa powder • 3 tbsp all purpose flour 1. Combine dry ingredients and mix well. 2. Stir in wet ingredients and microwave on high for 1 minute. Enjoy!

*Please consult your doctor before starting on any new diet.

Photo by Isabella Cai

FOOD

It’s a Kookie Date! IAN hunts for the perfect casual date spot

hen you’ve scored yourself a date, you also need to secure a perfect date spot! Besides being light on the wallet, the perfect date spot must also be cosy to help stimulate conversations whilst providing a quick escape from awkward remarks. But what makes a place the place? Introducing Kooks Creamery, an ice cream parlour with a twist. Located in Serangoon, it serves up to 18 unique flavours of homemade ice cream – ranging from Mao Shan Wang Durian to its well-known Nougat ice cream! But what is the exceptional twist that makes this place extraordinary? It’s none other than their lava cookie that oozes with decadent chocolate or matcha goodness! The café’s intricate design is appealing and aesthetic, making it an all-rounded well-lit spot for great pictures and mouth-watering desserts.

Signature Cookie & Speculoos Ice Cream

This is every chocolate lover’s dream come true. Oozing with decadent chocolate sauce, the warm buttery cookie is soaked in generous portions of melting chocolate. This dessert, garnished with cookie crumbles, costs $8.50 per serving. Despite the pleasant outer appearance of the dish, the portion of the cookie was a tad disappointing. The ice cream too, was too sweet for my liking. Rating:

Photo

by Ian

Matcha Cookie & Nougat Ice Cream

Personally, I crown this as the signature dessert of the café! The same warm buttery cookie that melts in your mouth now oozes out with green delectable matcha sauce. Topped with premium nougat flavoured ice cream, the warmness of the cookie accompanied with the nutty taste of the ice cream is extremely pleasing to the tongue. For $9 ($0.50 extra for a premium flavour), this dessert is definitely worth a try! Rating: Janice Ong, the co-owner of Kooks Creamery, shared the dedication she puts in to source for the best ingredients to come up with unique flavours. “If I could use three words to describe the café, it would be creative, reasonable and delicious,” praised Jerome Choong, a regular customer. Indeed, Kooks Creamery does live up to its name of being a cosy heartland café where everyone can enjoy. It has tremendous potential in making it big in the café scene in Singapore. This conveniently located café might look like a plain Jane from the outside, but its interior is an absolute game changer for Instagram worthy photos and great food. Reasonably priced with a relaxing and calm ambience, Kooks Creamery is definitely the perfect location if you want to spend some quiet time with your date!

Tan