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APRIL 2020 | l i v - m a g a z i n e . co m LIV MAGAZINE
On The Inside
What to do when you’re stuck indoors
Cuppa Life
Heavy Is The Bed Weighted blankets, explained
Hong Kong’s homegrown tea brands
BEHIND THE MASK Stories of Hongkongers living under coronavirus
WIN a sleep cycle assessment and a luxury gift hamper on p.17!
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APRIL 05 Editor’s Letter
LIV | NEWS 06 Wishlist
28 From a Distance
Ideas to keep you busy when you're self-isolating
Lovely things we want right now
10 Hot Right Now
New happenings on the wellness scene
12 Fresh Cuts
Local tea brands to brew
14 Cheat Day
Because #YOLO
16 Reviews
A gel manicure at Tinted and home workouts with fitness app SWEAT
LIV | STORIES
LIV | MORE 30 Recipe
Egyptian broad bean hummus
32 Pamper
A women's hair loss expert answers our questions
34 Travel
Precautions to take when travel is completely unavoidable
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36 Family
How to talk to your kids about a global pandemic
18 The C Word
Different perspectives of life after COVID-19
26 Weighting For Tonight Why weighted blankets are catching on
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34
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Sponsored Feature
Raze
the Bar
A new material science company founded in Hong Kong, Raze is set to revolutionise how we clean our homes. We speak to founder Vince Fong about his journey.
Q How did you come to set up Raze? We’ve been developing our sanitizing spray for more than 10 years. We actually started in agriculture looking at how we could better improve the health and hygiene standards of farm animals. We worked with a university in China to develop a product that would eliminate viruses, bacteria and odour, protecting animals from diseases such as swine flu. Once we launched, we realised that a lot of people in Hong Kong wanted to eliminate VOCs [volatile organic compounds] after renovating their homes, so we got into the construction, design and real estate space, treating houses. Then we realised that consumers wanted a spray that they could use themselves. We don’t want to be just a liquid spray company; our photocatalyst technology can be used to make a self-sanitising paint, or even textiles. We are still exploring the many possibilities of what this technology can offer. Q How does photocatalyst technology work? The technology has been around since the 1960s in Japan; we’ve further refined it, making it even more effective. Nanoparticles capture energy from light and release electrons, which then bind to surrounding particles, including odours, viruses and bacteria, converting them to carbon dioxide and water. Traditional photocatalyst
technology works only under UV or direct sunlight, but our nanoparticles can be charged under standard room lights. They're also much smaller, so you can fit more particles in a given area. More particles, more protection. Q How is this product different to standard cleaners such as bleach or alcohol wipes? We see Raze as a complement to your standard cleaning routine. Germs can return to a surface that’s been wiped with bleach or alcohol after a few hours. But once Raze has been sprayed on, the nanoparticles will last and provide an ongoing sanitising surface for months. We do not bill ourselves as a cleaning product; what we hope is that people will ultimately rely less on harsh cleaning products that are worse for us in the long term. Q Have you faced any challenges on this journey? One challenge we are facing is to change people’s mindsets that yes, these products can create a sanitising surface that doesn’t require constant maintenance. Our goal is to create a foundation for wellness. We are a product of our surroundings, and when our surroundings are unhealthy, either from excessive harsh chemicals or germs, our own health will be negatively impacted too. Q Tell us about some of your recent wins. We’ve done lots of testing with third-party institutes, and we’re very proud of the results. We’ve gained the trust of many corporations for instance we are treating KMB’s buses every six months. If you imagine how many people are sitting on those seats and the fact that we are confident to claim effectiveness for up to six months… it’s possible, the technology is here and it’s a gateway to a new way of cleaning.
EDITOR’S LETTER
JUST BREATHE W
hat. A. Year. I’m exhausted just trying to type and muse at the same time, let alone any of the challenges other people are facing right now, like homeschooling kids, working from home, not touching faces, stress-baking Alison Roman’s latest NYT Cooking contribution… It’s a wild time to be alive, and also wearying - so very, very wearying. Despite it all, I have found some silver linings. Even though I’ll rejoice when I’m told it’s safe to enter a yoga studio or crowded cocktail bar again, I’m still trying to appreciate what’s enjoyable about this insane situation. A good friend of mine who is a successful (read: expensive) yoga instructor in London has gone online, and now I get free invites to her classes. My parents are always available to chat these days, despite a normally prohibitive time zone difference - I taught my 68-year-old mother the meaning of “ombre” the other day. Everyone’s experience coping under COVID-19 is bound to be different, and that’s something we explore in our cover feature on p.18. We spoke to three different women in Hong Kong (a doctor, a mum, and a quarantined teacher) whose lives have all changed as the world collectively moves through an era of novel coronavirus. We’ve also pooled our best suggestions on how to stay entertained and fighting fit when you’re social distancing. Whether you’re self-isolating at home, stuck in a government quarantine facility, or just hate people in general, there’s a ton of things you can do to stay sane when you’re stuck indoors. Read more on p.28. Under the umbrella of “stress-adjacent topics” we also explain why weighted blankets are going mainstream (p.26) and speak to a certified trichologist about female hair loss (p.32). There’s nothing a cup of tea can’t fix, or so I’ve been told by British relatives. Test that theory to the fullest this month with our roundup of Hong Kong’s finest local tea brands on p.12. Happy April, and remember to wash your hands!
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS Shop local! Zoe Belhomme finds eco-friendly baby essentials at an organic, HK mum-run business on p.37.
Forced to travel due to difficult circumstances? Kate Springer gives her top tips on staying safe while en route on p.34.
No rest for the unweighted! Sarah Fung shares her experiences sleeping with a weighted blanket on p.24.
Jo Robinson gets SWEAT-y at home with fitspo icon Kayla Itsines’ workout app on p.16.
CARLA THOMAS EDITOR
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Send invites and info to: Makerhive, 10/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town PUBLISHER SARAH FUNG DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS JO ROBINSON SENIOR SALES MANAGER ANSHU RIJHWANI EDITOR CARLA THOMAS WRITER ZOE BELHOMME SOCIAL MEDIA STACEY MARCELO ADMINISTRATOR JASMIN BLUNCK GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN CONTRIBUTORS KATE SPRINGER, JO ROBINSON PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING LIMITED, ROOM B, 3/F, DERRICK INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 49-51 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN ‘‘Liv Magazine’’ Copyright 2020 Liv Media Limited. The content provided here is the property of Liv Media Limited and may not be reproduced in any part without the written permission of the Publisher. The information provided by Liv Media Limited’s contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the company. The information provided by Liv Media Limited, or its staff, advertisers and contributors is given in good faith; readers should gather more information before making the decision to purchase any goods or services highlighted here. Liv Media Limited will not be held responsible for any action, omission or error resulting from actions taken on the basis of the information provided here. Please seek the approval of a doctor before following any health advice.
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Retail Therapy
WISHLIST
Here's what we're crushing on this month
SCRUB IT IN
Trying to stay polished? This all-natural vegan exfoliator uses papaya enzymes and bamboo fibers to gently break down then slough off any oily buildup on your T-zone. $660 from vinoble-cosmetics.asia.
GERMAPHONE
Go high-tech on your hygiene with this super-sanitising gadget. Using germicidal UV lights, it sterilises devices like smartphones, earbuds and wearables in minutes while simultaneously charging them. US$119.95 from phonesoap.com. 6
TONIC BOOM
A perennial classic meets good hygiene. These G&T mouthwash tabs burst into a botanical blend of juniper berry, coriander and Angelica - refreshing yet not intoxicating. $105 from Lush.
LOCAL POUR
Crafted locally by a mother-daughter duo, these hand-poured coconut wax candles put some serious spring in your step. We swoon for Spring Garden, with notes of matcha, guava and rain. $120 from thisiswoodco.com.
Retail Therapy
COOKIE MONSTER
Take a bite out of these chewy, gooey bad boys from Baked Indulgence. This local bakery specialises in unique cookie combos like Red Velvet Nutella, Earl Grey & Cassis or milk teainspired Yuen Yeung. $35-45 each, from Knockbox Coffee. G/F, 50B Stanley St., Central, or order online at bakedindulgence.com.
COLADA LOVE
If you like piña coladas...then try a bowl of a decidedly healthier brekky version with coconuts, almonds and dried pineapple, from this homegrown HK granola-maker. $95 from puravidahkg.com.
PASTEL ÉPOQUE
DRY YOUR GLASS
Skip the immunity-suppressing effects of alcohol without sacrificing on taste with a dry (as in, alcohol-free) Sauvignon Blanc or Rose Gris from zero-alcohol winemakers Le Petit Béret. From $108 from online.citysuper.com.hk.
Slip into your Easter best with this chic lilac blazer and shorts combo that’s perfect for champagne brunches and outdoor egg hunts alike. $1,792 for shorts, $3,018 for blazer at Emma Wallace Boutique. Shop A, G/F, Po Hing Mansion, No.2 Po Hing Fong, Sheung Wan.
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SPECIAL DEALS AND OFFERS, EXCLUSIVELY FOR LIV READERS This month, we are excited to announce Liv Loves Rewards, a deals and discounts site exclusively for our lovely readers. See something you want to redeem? Visit liv-magazine.com/rewards to learn more!
20% off the entire range at Aromatherapy Associates Experts in wellbeing, Aromatherapy Associates harnesses the incredible powers of the finest essential oils, purest extracts and natural ingredients to include in their award-winning products. Created in their London-based laboratory, each of their unique and powerful essential oil blends address your specific concerns and take you on a sensory journey to enhance your wellbeing. Aromatherapy Associates now offers an exclusive discount for readers! 20% off all full-priced items when shopping online.
$1,500 for two monthlong fitness programmes with SHBJJ! New boutique fighting gym SHBJJ is offering two-for-one on its women’s martial arts and antigravity yoga programmes! Usually priced at $1,500 each, Liv readers can pay just $1,500 to enjoy both one-month programmes. Readers can purchase up to three packages each, to be redeemed within three months of purchase. The women’s martial arts course offers classes twice a week for one month, cycling through movement, self-defence, No-Gi Jiujitsu, and Brazilian Jiujitsu. The Anti-Gravity Yoga programme, with classes twice per week, helps students recover from training.
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$800 for 8 classes, or a two-week unlimited pass for $1,400 at Flex Flex Studio is a boutique fitness studio specialising in Classical Pilates, Barre and Yoga. For the whole month of April, they’re offering an introductory two-week unlimited pass for $1,400 OR 8 classes for $800.
Big discounts off private Pilates classes at Options Studio Options Pilates is the premier chain of professional Pilates studios in Asia. They're offering big savings on private Pilates sessions exclusively for Liv readers to stay healthy, while maintaining social distancing during COVID-19 outbreak! Offer 1: Buy 10 private sessions and get 2 FREE (save $1600) Offer 2: Buy 20 private sessions and get 5 FREE (save $3750)
Get 15% off any NOSH meal plan, with doorto-door delivery! Exclusively for the first 35 Liv readers, get 15% off your order of any NOSH meal plan with door-to-door delivery! NOSH believes in healthy, convenient & smart food choices. Founded in 2015, it is one of Hong Kong’s first madefor-delivery food brands. Its chef-designed recipes average 550 calories, and are made with premium ingredients so that customers can enjoy a delicious meal in the comfort of their own home or office. Plans range from 3 to 20 days, and vary according to your health goals.
15% off Nuzest, the best plant-based protein on the market Looking for clean, plant-based protein powder to power your post-workout smoothie? Nuzest Clean Lean Protein comes from the highest quality European golden peas, delivering 19-21 grams of protein per 25 gram serving. It’s also very low in fat and carbs, with less than 1/2 gram of fat, and only 2 grams or less of carbs per serving. We also love that it’s vegan, dairy-, soy-, GMO- and gluten-free, with no added sugar.
Enjoy a complimentary perfume and wine pairing session with GOUTAL GOUTAL is an authentic French perfume house founded by Annick Goutal, an iconic female pianist-turned-perfumer. GOUTAL is renowned amongst celebrities including Leonardo Dicaprio and many others. In this one-hour complimentary session at GOUTAL’s Sensory Lounge, you’ll get to sample a selection of four wines paired with four of GOUTAL’s exquisite fragrances. Experience an olfactory journey by discovering the tales behind their fragrances and their special relationship with wine. You will receive a fragrance sample and exclusive privileges upon completion.
Get 15% off your purchase at Slowood Slowood is an eco-concious, lowwaste lifestyle brand. Start your eco journey with 15% off your first purchase as a member of their Slofolk membership programme!
20% Off Home Sanitizing products with Raze! Exclusive 33% Discount off Any CircleDNA Test Kit CircleDNA aims to give everyone the power to be in control of their own health. Using industryleading Whole Exome Sequencing technology, the Hong Kong-based company can help you unlock valuable information like your cancer and disease risk, optimal diet and nutrition, carrier status and much more. Exclusively for Liv Readers, Circle DNA is offering 33% off your next CircleDNA purchase. But move fast, as there are only 33 kits available at this exclusive price!
Raze Technology developed a lightactivated, nanoparticle that creates a self-sanitizing coating and decomposes up to 99.99% of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, mould, odours, and VOCs). The spray can be applied on just about any surface and forms a protective coating that can last up to 3 months. Raze is offering 10% off all products from its online store and Causeway Bay pop-up, and exclusively for Liv Loves Rewards, they’re offering an additional 10% off – that’s 20% off all products!
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Cool Stuff
HOT RIGHT NOW News from the wellness scene
INTO THE WOODS
Wanna get back to your roots? Try a little nature-inspired pampering - with an arboreal twist - at the Mandarin Oriental. For the month of April, you can plant your own tree somewhere in the world when you purchase one of the MO’s forest-themed offerings; choose from the Forest Therapy spa treatment ($1,830 plus service) at the Mandarin Spa, or the Forest-Inspired Afternoon Tea (from $338 per person.) The luxury hotel has partnered with EcoMatcher, a company that links businesses with vetted tree-planting organisations all over the world to help plant new forests. Guests receive a unique QR code for each tree funded, so you can virtually track it through satellite maps and learn more about it as it grows. Reservations required. mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong
CALL ME BY MONET
The city’s arts circuit has sadly taken a beating this year, with cancellations of major events like Art Basel and Hong Kong Arts Festival. If you’re in need of something to look forward to in its stead, check out Metropolis Museum, which opened its doors just last month with a 33-piece exhibition on Impressionist master Claude Monet. With a mission to “democratise art” to Hong Kong’s public, all of the works on display are actually authorised recreations, using either scanned prints, hand-painted recreations, or 3D-printed replicas of some of Monet’s most famous masterpieces. Metropolis also offers art workshops for children, teens and adults, teaching everything from fine motor skills and creative expression, to more advanced artistry like colour theory and painting techniques. Studies have shown that just looking at art can enhance your brain function and overall wellbeing, so if you’re in need of somewhere to regain some calm, this spacious Wong Chuk Hang gallery is good for what ails you. 17/F, Genesis, 33-35 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, 9161-2105. Exhibition runs until September 5, for more information on workshops and business hours, visit metropolismuseum.com. 10
Cool Stuff
GOING UP EARTH SIGN
This April marks 50 years of celebrating Earth Day, the global environmental movement that brought environmental issues to the forefront of public consciousness. The original Earth Day was started by a US senator in 1970, and within a year had led to important pieces of environmental protection legislation being passed in America which goes to show, a little civic engagement goes a long way! There are several Earth Day cleanups, workshops, fundraisers, and other events in Hong Kong you can support on April 22, but challenge yourself to go even greener all month (or year!) by changing your habits or routines, spreading the word about climate action, or doing what you can to lobby for change on a larger scale. The Earth Day website has oodles of ideas, campaigns, and easy-to-follow resources on how you can become a more serious climate crusader in 2020 - so show the planet some love all year round! earthday.org
Video Conferencing Putting the “social” in social distancing, online platforms like Zoom are fast becoming the new group hang. Set up a sesh with your BFFs, now that everyone has a little extra time on their hands.
Man-icures Our friends at Tinted. (see p.16) say they’ve seen a spike in requests for nail art designed for men. Is this the year of male polish?
Using Your Hands Carry around a pen or chopstick for when you have to press lift buttons.
COSTA LIVING
Bringing a little Latin America to Hong Kong’s fitness circuit is the newly opened AndFit on Wyndham Street. Inspired by the Costa Rican concept of “pura vida” - which roughly translates to living well and being happy - this boutique studio aims to inject good vibes and a little Latin fire into everything they do. Classes like “Volcano Stations” and “Fuego Bootcamp” work up a sweat, while movement-based classes like “Animal Flow” help explore and expand your range of motion and agility. Studio and changing rooms are ample and clean, with the added bonus of an outdoor terrace that gets used for running sprints in some of the more challenging classes - ¡qué chiva! Classes start from $250 for a drop-in, with class packs and unlimited packages available, as well as private training. 4/F, Man Cheung Building, 15-17 Wyndham St., Central, 6343-0336, andfithk.com.
High Homeschooling Expectations We are all about the bare minimum these days. Kids still have all their limbs at the end of the day? You’re winning.
GOING DOWN 11
Dining
SOMETHING’S
BREWING Hunkered down at home? Brew yourself a lovely cuppa from these local tea brands. By Sarah Fung.
CANTON BLOOM
A proudly made-in-Hong Kong tea brand, Canton Bloom’s wellness blends combine fruity and floral flavours, such as peach and oolong, or lychee and rose. Try the Relief & Restore blend of lemongrass and sencha, which aids digestion and soothes the nervous system. Also available are beautiful tea accessories, reed diffusers and soy candles to help you create a mindful environment. Buy online at 9to6life.com
JRINK
Passionate about all things tea, Jrink is one of Hong Kong’s leading tea suppliers and distributors. It also wears its ecocredentials on its sleeve and adopts greener business practices throughout its company. Shop online for all kinds of tea, from black, white and green teas, to fruit infusions, Japanese tea and rooibos, as well as gifts and accessories. jrink.com.hk 12
Dining
FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you UNITED WE DINE CAMPAIGN PROMOTES LOCAL F&B
PEERIE TEA
Peerie Tea is an ethical farm-to-cup company offering the finest artisanal teas from small locally-run estates from across China, India and Taiwan. All of their teas are handpicked and processed using traditional methods, while herbs and fruits are dehydrated in Hong Kong. Try the “Work from Home” wellness blend, which includes nettle, red raspberry leaves, lemon balm and goji berries to provide a shot of vitamins and calm jangled nerves. peerietea.com
After months of hard times, Hong Kong’s restaurant industry could use a little love to get through the next few challenging weeks. United We Dine is a new citywide campaign aiming to get foodies rediscovering local F&B businesses again. Over 100 restaurants have signed on, from casual fare to Michelin-starred fine dining, and they’re offering special menus, discounted promotional offers, plus a grand prize giveaway for participating diners. How does it work? Check out the UWD venues online, dine at one of them (alone or with a plus-one who hasn’t travelled abroad in the last 14 days!) and save your receipts for a chance to win one of several prizes. United we stan for supporting local business! unitedwedine.hk
TREEHOUSE LAUNCHES NEW VIRTUAL BRAND
LIFY WELLNESS
Looking for the perfect brew every time? Tech company Lify Wellness has come up with an award-winning high-tech tea brewing device that syncs up with an app on your phone to deliver a delicious cup of tea, without fail. Once you have the machine set up, pick from Lify’s range of herbal blends; think Sleep, Me Time, Self-Care and Young, to name a few. Or choose from the Oriental Functional series, which includes tangerine and lingzi, American ginseng, or monkfruit and prunella. Low-wasters will be pleased to know that the tea discs are fully compostable within two years.
After closing their doors temporarily last month in light of the COVID-19 outbreak in Central, plant-based kitchen Treehouse has gone online with their new virtual brand, Origin by Treehouse. This onlineonly menu is now available through Deliveroo in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, serving up delicious vegetarian North African, Lebanese and Egyptian dishes, like Mushroom Shawarma Pita or Fried Eggplant and Pickles with Tahini. deliveroo.hk/en/menu/hong-kong/ wanchai/origin-by-treehouse
lifywellness.com 13
Dining
CHEAT DAY
Because life’s too short to always order the salad
SPRING FLING Goodbye winter, so long stodgy stews! Spring has finally sprung, and with it comes a whole harvest of fresh, seasonal produce that we’ve been longing for all winter. Inspired by the flavours of spring, SoHo restaurant Kinship has crafted a seasonal menu that’s packed with fresh ingredients, lighter flavours, and an abundance of taste. Think roasted green asparagus with preserved lemon aioli, parmesan crumble and topped with poached egg; Hokkaido scallop ceviche with turmeric lime cream and Thai pomelo; or the sinfully smoky charred octopus, grilled to tender perfection with a garlicky romesco sauce and bacon vinaigrettedressed frisee salad. Light but complex, satisfying but not so substantial you’d wish you’d worn sweatpants. The spring menu is available for dinner (6-11pm) at Kinship until May. 3/F, 2-4 Shelley St., Central, 2520-0899, kinshiphk.com.
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Sponsored Feature
LET’S TAKE IT
SLOW
Dora Lam is the founder of Slowood, Kennedy Town’s 3,000-square-foot sustainable concept store. She talks to Liv about her journey to the zero waste life.
Q Tell us about how you started Slowood. I started with a concept store called Pimary when I worked as cabin crew. I would bring back secondhand finds and natural skincare brands whenever I traveled, and my customers would see my store as a kind of treasure trove. I eventually became more interested in natural skincare and sustainability, and we came up with the idea of a large space where customers can shop for everything healthy and sustainable in one place. There was nothing else like it in Hong Kong at the time.
Q How has the response been so far? It’s been great. First people came for the novelty factor, but they have slowly started to change their habits. We offer 5% off for anyone who brings their own container, so that incentivises people to come in and shop regularly.
Q What’s your mission? We want sustainable living to reach the mainstream. For us, Slowood is a concept store where we can show what zero-waste shopping looks like, encouraging more retail outlets to adopt this model. A large supermarket chain actually approached us to help set up some refill stations in their stores. This is exactly what we want - there’s no point if it’s only us doing zero-waste. We hope every store in Hong Kong can put more zero-waste measures in place soon. For us it’s also an ongoing process of learning how to be more sustainable. We want to learn and grow with our customers and our community.
Q What are some tips you can share with people looking to start shopping more sustainably? First, you need to look at your habits and see if you are “light green” or “deep green.” If you are light green you are just starting on your sustainability journey, so you might make some simple swaps to start with. For example, swap your standard cling wrap for our biodegradable cling wrap. Then you could move up to beeswax wraps or food containers. For women, you might swap your regular pads for our biodegradable brands. Then you might consider swapping those out for a menstrual cup. We are all abut offering different products to suit different needs. Q What’s next for Slowood? We are opening a second store in Discovery Bay. It will be in a 2,500-square-foot space right next to the renovated bus station. There are so many beautiful trees there and so we are looking to bring the natural world into our space by introducing lots of plants.
Shop 1-3, G/F, The Hudson, 11 Davis St., Kennedy Town, 2762-0770, slowood.hk.
Reviews
TEST-DRIVE Liv checks out the newest workouts and wellness trends
TREATMENT
WORKOUT
SWEAT Fitness App
Gel Manicure at Tinted. The Buzz: With distinctive designs and a superfresh colour range, we’ve been dying to try Tinted. (full stop included), a newish nail salon located in Causeway Bay. We test drive their Signature Gel Manicure in pursuit of some Insta-worthy nails. The Treatment: Inspired by art-forward nail bars in cities like Tokyo and Toronto, walking into Tinted. feels like entering a London hipster haunt. Soft pink walls, immaculate marble workspaces and an abundance of natural light make this space a cut above most others. We peruse the shades (mostly Japanese brands, as well as vegan-friendly Californian label NCLA) and opt for one of the seasonal specials, a tie-dye inspired ombre that feels cute for spring. Our manicurist Viyan tends to our dry AF cuticles (thanks, hand sanitiser), and buffs our nails out with great care. Shaping and building both the colour and gel up gradually, the treatment is thorough, meticulous and efficient. Afterwards, we’re treated to a hand massage and some homemade cuticle oil to forestall any future unsightly hangnails. The Verdict: Good enough for the ‘gram? And then some! This is one of the best manicures we’ve ever had, from a gentle touch on sensitive cuticles to Viyan’s masterful nail artistry. The two-hour long treatment might run long for some (a one-hour option is also available) but every minute is used wisely, and we’re left with an eye-catching mani that will last for weeks. The only downside is waiting that long to try out a new design… Cost: Gel Signature Manicure costs $580, reservations required. 5/F, 18-20 Pak Sha Rd., Causeway Bay, 6012-6444, hello@tintedhk.com. 16
The Buzz: As one of the OG fitness influencers, Kayla Itsines has over 12 million followers on Instagram alone. Her SWEAT app is one of the world’s most popular online fitness platforms, with a variety of workouts taught by a roster of internationally recognised female trainers. We try one of the newly added at-home programmes to see if we can work up a gym-like sweat from the comfort of our very own living room. The Class: We opt for the “FIERCE” programme from trainer Chontel Duncan, which consists of four full-body sessions each week. Each workout lasts no longer than 45 minutes, relying on quality of effort over quantity. The four days are split into four different styles of workout: strength, AMRAP (trainer lingo for “as many rounds as possible”), Tabata, and speed circuits. The entire programme lasts for sixteen weeks, with workouts gradually increasing in frequency, difficulty and intensity every week. The Verdict: At first glance, the workouts appear simple: four rounds of lunges, broad jumps and mountain climbers for the AMRAP session, for example. In reality? It’s an all-out sweat sesh which is deceptively challenging! Even those who consider themselves fairly fit should feel the burn after 45 minutes. Using body weight (and the odd kettlebell or skipping rope if you’ve got it), it’s actually possible to feel like you’ve just sweat it out at your fave fitness class - a must-try for anyone steering clear of sweaty gyms for the time being! Cost: US$20 per month, US$55 for three months, US$120 for one year. sweat.com
GIVEAWAYS Visit liv-magazine.com/giveaways for a chance to win!
Free stuff!
WIN: a luxury gift hamper from Give Gift Boutique! While the current crisis might have stopped us from going out, we can still enjoy ourselves at home. This luxury gift hamper, courtesy of Give Gift Boutique, is packed with 19 gourmet treats, including wine, chocolate truffles, coffee, cheese twists and more. The hamper is valued at more than $1,000, and we have one up for grabs. givegift.com.hk
WIN: a Belun Ring sleep assessment from Zanolife Always wondered whether you’re getting good quality sleep? Achieve real, usable data related to your sleep with a Belun Ring. This discreet device, worn on your finger as you sleep, tracks your heart rate, oxygen saturation, and also autonomic nervous system response, which is related to your stress levels. This prize includes the use of a Belun Ring for three nights and an explanation of the data that it collects, and is worth $1,500. We have 10 assessments to give away; learn more on p.26. zanolife.hk
Enter at liv-magazine.com/giveaways before April 28 to win! 17
Cover Story
Coping Under Coronavirus:
THREE ACCOUNTS OF LIFE DURING A PANDEMIC
As COVID-19 cases climb across the globe, it can be tempting to talk about the current pandemic in faceless numbers and data. In some way or another, though, everyone is facing big challenges as we adjust to the new normal way of life under a novel virus. We speak with three Hongkongers about how life has changed for them since the coronavirus outbreak. By Carla Thomas 18
Cover Story
THE QUARANTINED A 28-year-old teacher, Lily was moved to a quarantine centre after her father tested positive for the coronavirus following a business trip to the UK early last month. From a hotel in the New Territories designated for quarantine cases, Lily (whose name has been changed at her request to protect her privacy) describes what life is like living in self-isolation. Q What’s an average day like in a quarantine camp? An average day in quarantine begins at 8:15AM. We get a knock on the door letting us know that we’ve received bottles of water, new bin bags and sets of masks. There is a second knock on the door at 8:30AM where we have to get out of bed, wear our mask and greet two medical workers who check our temperature. We remind them of our names and they cheerfully let us know we don’t have a fever. After this we make ourselves breakfast. We packed a ton of cereal, granola and bagels. We are very fortunate that there’s a fridge where we are
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Cover Story
staying. The rest of the day passes with phone calls, meditation and exercise. Near our room is this small terrace where we’ve placed our yoga mat and we can sit and enjoy the quiet. When we feel stir crazy, there’s a courtyard where you can walk around. We chat to some of the other people in quarantine, sharing stories and tips to get us through the time here. A doctor usually calls us mid-morning to check on us, asking if we’re showing any symptoms or if we need anything. We have our final temperature check of the day at 4PM. We have an early dinner, as meal time seems to be the most exciting time of day. Every few days, family and friends send us packed salads and supplies from Marks & Spencer and juices from nood.
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This experience has made us feel really grateful to know how much effort the Hong Kong government has really put into containing the spread of coronavirus.
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Q What was the process like of being moved to the quarantine centre? This was quite stressful! When our dad was diagnosed, we were called by staff members from the Health Department asking us about our contact with him, where we’d been, our names, ID card numbers. Dad was diagnosed on a Thursday evening, and we were told to self-isolate until they organised our transfer. We were told we would be moved to a quarantine facility, and they let us know which one in advance. My mom was in Ruttonjee Hospital with my dad, and once her test was negative she was moved Friday evening. Government officials picked us up Saturday morning to give us time to find someone to watch our dogs for two weeks. Thankfully, since my mom arrived first, we were able to see where we were
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staying and packed accordingly. We were picked up in a shuttle bus; leaving the building was incredibly stressful, especially with our neighbours staring and panicking around us. We were greeted on the bus by a medical worker in full gear, he checked our temperatures and we were on our way. Q How did you feel going into the quarantine centre? Do you feel any differently now that you're almost finished? Honestly, we were incredibly scared and resistant to being moved into a quarantine centre. Once word in the building spread, however, it was the safest move for us. People were too scared to know we were home, and we were feeling stressed being surrounded by that energy. We felt a total sense of relief when we arrived, especially when we saw how nice it was here. The medical workers are kind and compassionate, they have made us feel safe and welcome in every way. They’ve given us a WhatsApp number to contact if we need anything and they’ve allowed us to have food sent in from the outside. There’s also a community feeling here - we’re all in the same position, there’s no judgment. Everyone is supportive and we are grateful that we have been well looked after. We’ve had our moments of feeling down along the way, but this experience has made us feel really grateful to know how much effort the Hong Kong government has really put into containing the spread of coronavirus. Q What has your father’s experience with the actual COVID-19 virus been like? We are grateful that our dad is doing really well. The doctors have experienced and learned painful lessons from SARS and have been proactive. They have him on a treatment protocol and really put all our minds at ease. My dad is asthmatic and was in that high-risk category; because of early testing and the treatment protocol, the virus never spread to his lungs and he only had a mild case. He’s found the experience to be mentally draining, as you are in isolation [during recovery]. Your only contact with medical professionals is when they need to come in - and when they do they’re in full gear and the doctor speaks through a telephone. The tests they do to check for the virus are painful; there’s one where they insert a thick tube up your nose which goes down to the throat. He said that has been agonising, and it’s something they do on him every day.
Cover Story
THE DOCTOR Dr. Joyce Lai is a family physician at private healthcare clinic OT&P Healthcare in Central. From longer days and strict protocols, to teaching patients how to self-administer tests for COVID-19, she explains how life on the front lines is always changing.
Q What’s it like working in a medical environment since the COVID-19 outbreak? Firstly, there are many more meetings and discussions that must be held as we have to consider exact procedures on how we screen patients and what additional measures we can take to safeguard our patients as well as everyone in the workplace (eg. mask usage, additional cleaning/disinfecting, more hand sanitisers). The other big change is that I’m now doing telephone consultations for COVID-19 testing and video consultations for anyone not feeling well, but who are under quarantine or prefer not to come to the clinic. We mustn’t forget that besides COVID-19 there are still patients getting sick all the time. This has become both a practical and sensible measure to protect all parties. For example, during phone discussions, I will walk patients through how to do the Deep Throat Saliva Test for COVID-19, assess their unique circumstances, explain the false positives and negatives, and implications of testing positive. Q How has your day-to-day changed for you? My days are longer now. With such a rapidly changing situation we are learning more every day about COVID-19 and what we can do about it. I’ve been creating videos online, from 21
Cover Story
discussing how to properly wash your hands, to protecting your home, to how we test for COVID-19. I couldn’t just stand by after seeing the sheer magnitude of misleading and false information circulating. We are dealing with the pandemic of COVID-19 but also the pandemic of anxiety. Undoubtedly, this is a challenging time for healthcare workers, as we are the first point of contact and we carry a certain degree of risk. We all have families and dependents we want to keep safe as well. Luckily at work there is a very good morale with my team and we all check on each other regularly as we move through the pandemic. We also use our experience during SARS to give us foresight to better fight the COVID-19. However, I represent only one small piece of the front line of our healthcare system. We shouldn’t forget the nurses, the people on our team who handle the logistics of making the COVID-19 tests available, those ensuring we have enough safety equipment, and the cleaning staff and couriers - they are all taking a risk to be there for patients.
Q What’s the most common question you get asked about the virus? “Do you think I have it? What should I do if I’ve been exposed?” This is a loaded question, because it depends on the interplay between your own health, the virus load [quantity of virus], exposure time, the distance and your hygiene compliance. To be honest, I wish I could give them a definitive answer. For some patients, while they have been notified of a definite exposure (such as a confirmed case on a plane or in the gym or in the office), it can be more uncertain for others. Testing too prematurely to the exposure date may not provide as conclusive a result as there is an incubation period. Everybody’s story is different and I do my best to help them analyse their individual circumstances and counsel them.
“ We are the first point of
contact and we carry a certain degree of risk. We all have families and dependents we want to keep safe as well.
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Q What’s your best advice on staying well right now? Don’t belittle the disease, and always pay attention to any symptoms. We need everyone to be a conscientious and responsible citizen. Meanwhile, stay optimistic and don’t be too stressed. Call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns because that’s what they are here for. Staying well during these times is extra important as our primary defense is our own immune system. I advise all patients to find ways to exercise at home, eat well-balanced meals, optimise vitamin C to strengthen their immune system, sleep more, and find outlets to destress, such as exploring hobbies. We might not be able to control everything happening around us but we should take care of those things which we can. 22
Sponsored Feature
SCIENCE OF SLEEP THE
Ever wonder what really goes on when you bed down for the night? The Belun Ring, originally designed to screen for sleep apnea, is a groundbreaking medical device that gives you unprecedented data to track the quality of your sleep. We speak to Belun Ring inventor Lydia Leung and Jarl Borthwick, the founder of health screening comparison site Zanolife, which offers the Belun Ring sleep test on its platform.
Q What is the Belun Ring? Lydia: The Belun Ring is a medical-grade wearable device which allows you to monitor your sleep health at home, in the comfort of your own bed. It is a diagnostic aid and monitoring device for sleep apnea and also analyses autonomic nervous system response and your lung function during sleep. Q What is sleep apnea? Lydia: Sleep apnea is a highly-underdiagnosed sleep disorder. An individual will stop breathing during their sleep, often for more than 10 seconds at a time and multiple times per hour. Its symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness; morning headaches and sore throats; insomnia with repeated awakenings; snoring; and an increased need for nighttime urination. Q Why is it important to diagnose sleep apnea? Lydia: The body recovers, restores and regenerates during sleep. Sleep apnea hinders one's ability to achieve a healthy sleep cycle. Poor sleep and sleep apnea are associated with a number of serious health conditions including Alzheimer’s, stroke, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes amongst others. Q And the ring measures sleep stress as well? Jarl: The ring measures your heart rate variability (HRV), which is how the ai
analyses your autonomic nervous system response, thereby giving a good indication of your stress levels. If you are not getting good quality sleep for whatever reason, it can have a hugely negative impact on your health. For me, to see my sleep quality on paper was a fascinating insight and it really helped me to kick-start a more healthy mode of living, which included returning to sport, re-starting qi gong and taking up transcendental meditation. Healthy living begins with positive lifestyle choices - the Belun ring really helped me to see this! Q How can I get my hands on a Belun ring? Jarl: We promote the ring to different groups and also individuals on our zanolife. hk platform. We offer the ring on our web platform, zanolife.hk, in our Sleep Analysis section. You can hire the ring from us for a minimum of three nights to really get a good understanding of your sleep quality. We also work with some insurers to offer it to their clients - it’s great to see insurance providers become more interested in health and wellness. We also give sleep health seminars to corporates. It is our mission to spread the importance of sleep health far and wide.
BELUN RING FAST FACTS What does the Belun Ring measure? The ring can measure oxygen saturation, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory events index (REI) autonomic nervous system response during the course of the night, and your motion. How is the Belun Ring different from my smartwatch? The measurements that the Belun Ring is taking are done to a medical grade level. It is an FDA 510(k) Cleared medical grade device.. Learn more about the Belun Ring at zanolife.hk
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Cover Story
THE STAYAT-HOME MUM Charlotte Douglas, 46, is a yoga instructor who lives on Lamma with her husband and two teenage daughters. Life has significantly changed for her since schools closed over the Chinese New Year period, as both her work and her children’s education have moved online for the foreseeable future.
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I am finding I need to hug my children a lot and speak openly about how I feel to my friends.
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Q How has life changed for you in the past two months? A lot has changed and a lot has also not changed. My children and husband are both at home a lot. We’re around each other way more now, and I find myself thinking about stuff on a daily basis that I wouldn’t normally have to. Things like ensuring my children have a daily structure, that they get out each day to exercise, that we have enough food in the fridge since they’re eating at home more - mundane stuff mostly. It’s amazing what schools do for us, really. Professionally, it has been a mixed bag; venues have shut down and clients have either had to leave for family reasons or are in selfisolation. A lot of my work has gone online but the studio I work at is still open, and I have a few small groups that still meet (though we wash our hands, clean the surfaces and take a lot more care than we used to). I am constantly amazed by how many are willing to show up for an online class. Teaching group classes online is new for me, so
Photographer
I’m actually learning some new skills. Personally, it’s been up and down; everything changes daily but as the global scale has increased it has become harder to keep the anxious thoughts at bay. I am finding I need to hug my children a lot and speak openly about how I feel to my friends. Staying connected to those I love brings me back to the ground when I am spiralling out a little. Q How are you managing homeschooling? I generally am letting them manage themselves; there’s a lot of trust involved as we all work in different ways. My children are teenagers and one was due to take her GCSEs this year. Now that they’re cancelled...we’re disappointed for them all, both teachers and students, but I think we have to accept that this is a global issue now. We’re doing OK and I think the schools will make a plan for students after Easter. Until then, I’m just offering my daughter a chance to pick up some projects that she would not normally have time to do.
Cover Story
I’m thankful to live on Lamma where they have space to go out for a walk and head to the beach when they need to clear their heads. We have got some tutors working with us as there are areas where extra support is needed but other than that, we’ll just have to see where we are once everything gets back to normal. Q What has most surprised you about the whole experience? What have you learned? I wish I could say the panic buying truly surprised me - although the loo roll thing was a bit weird. What I have learned is that as humans, we are adaptable and resilient and capable of so much kindness. I have learned that I have some really great friends and a wonderful family capable of good humour - even when it all feels a bit bleak.
Y
oga classes for children and teenagers taught by Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher Alison Drake, founder of OmSkool Yoga. Alison is passionate about the physical and mental wellbeing of children in Hong Kong. Traditional yoga poses to develop balance, strength and flexibility are taught alongside calming breathing exercises and guided meditations. Children and teenagers are taught strategies to self-regulate their emotions and develop coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety. Classes are taught in an age-appropriate style that keeps young yogis engaged. Alison is a former primary school teacher with over 10 years experience in education. website: www.omskoolyoga.com | email: alison@omskoolyoga.com Instagram: omskool_yoga | tel: 9503 5434
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Blankets
A
Blanket
STATEMENT Tired of life? Time to lose yourself under the smothering embrace of a weighted blanket. Sarah Fung learns more about this trend that’s coming to a bedroom near you.
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riginally recommended for individuals with sensory processing issues, weighted blankets have officially hit the mainstream. Devotees swear that snuggling up under these hefty bedclothes, often made with glass beads, helps to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. How do they work? The theory goes that the firm, even weight distribution stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. The pressure gives the same benefits as a tight hug, hitting that serotonin button, suppressing cortisol production
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and releasing feel-good endorphins that make you feel calm and relaxed. One 2015 study, published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Disorders, found that four out of five adults with chronic insomnia reported better quality sleep, woke up less, and settled down better when using a weighted blanket at night. While more research is needed on their effectiveness (and likely won’t happen unless Big Blanket comes up with funding), the Amazon comments section is filled with weighted blanket converts who say that their purchases have been life-changing, helping with issues as far-ranging as anxiety, insomnia, autism, restless leg syndrome and fibromyalgia, to name a few.
Blankets
I’ve been using a weighted blanket on and off for just over a year. Though I don’t suffer from insomnia and I’m not a typically anxious person, when I sleep under my blanket I experience a deepness of sleep that’s akin to being knocked out. It’s also just plain soothing to slide under it, like a lizard under a rock, after a long day of simply being alive in 2020. With that said, if I’m not in the mood for a swaddle sesh, it can sometimes feel claustrophobic. And if (like me) you’re regularly getting up in the night, (for instance to tend to a baby), the fight to get out of bed can take a literal turn as you try to wrestle your way out from under a 20-pound blanket at 3AM, before your infant wakes up the entire household. Still want to give it a go? Experts recommend a blanket that’s around one tenth of your body weight in order to reap the benefits. Co-sleeping parents should avoid weighted blankets, and anyone with circulatory issues should consult a doctor first.
Where To Buy
While weighted blankets are still a relatively new concept in Hong Kong and international shipping is a challenge owing to their weight, a few sites do deliver internationally. Of course, you can also take your chances on Taobao, AliExpress or Amazon.
SENSACALM An online store selling products for individuals with sensory processing difficulties, SensaCalm stocks everything from weighted blankets, sleep masks and lap pads, to sensory lights, chewing accessories, wave projectors and more. Weighted blankets filled with natural glass beads are available in a range of sizes and patterns, from children and teens through to adults. sensacalm.com
NAMASTE BLANKETS This weighted blanket company ships all over the world at no additional cost. Blankets for adults range from around $900 to $1,900, depending on the weight and size. They’re made with glass beads with an organic cotton cover. The writer finds sweet oblivion under the smothering embrace of her weighted blanket
namasteblankets.com
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Staying Home
ISOLATION NATION Just because you’re self-isolating, it doesn’t mean you have to go on a month-long Netflix binge (although if that’s what you need to do to keep you sane, we are here for it!). Here are a few simple suggestions on things you can do to keep your mind, body and soul in shape while you’re stuck indoors. By Sarah Fung
ENRICH YOURSELF Learn a skill Take your pick from online courses and tutorials to learn something new. Platforms such as Udemy, General Assembly, Ted-Ed, Get Smart, Skill Share and Duolingo offer free or paid short courses that allow you to brush up your skills, whether it’s graphic design, photography, languages or even how to change a car tyre.
FIND A HOBBY Get arty Load up on arts supplies and discover your inner crafter. Whether it’s cross stitch, water colours, scrapbooking or making miniature dioramas of Hong Kong street scenes, there’s a craft out there for you. Get (or stay) fit There are literally hundreds of apps, websites, YouTube channels and IG accounts dedicated to offering free fitness programmes. Pick one you like and set aside an hour each day to work up a sweat.
Catch up on documentaries Sure, bingeing a decade’s worth of “Friends” is tempting, but you could also use this quiet time to finally get to those documentaries you’ve been meaning to watch. Download a new podcast Thought-provoking, educational or just plain hilarious, podcasts are where new ideas are shaped. If the endless news cycle is getting you down, give your brain a boost with a podcast instead.
SORT YOUR LIFE OUT Digital declutter Time to delete old apps and photos from your laptop or phone, unsubscribe from unwanted mailing lists, and sort all your digital documents. It’s boring, but so worth it when you free up all that storage space. Have a clear-out Always wanted to reorganise your wardrobe, Marie Kondo your 28
paperwork, and cull the clutter? Now’s your chance! Sort out your will A bit morbid, but this is one of those “mañana” tasks that you’re better off tackling now. Do a financial audit This is an excellent opportunity to go through your bank statements and get a clear picture of your incomings and outgoings.
Staying Home
Finally write that book Or blog, or Wikipedia page, or Harry Potter fanfiction. Whatever floats your boat. Try out new recipes Follow your favourite chefs or recipe blogs/IG accounts, and get creative in the kitchen.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Reconnect with friends Have a lunch date over Skype, write old-fashioned letters to relatives overseas, or have a fourway conference over wine. We need to check in with each other more than ever. Practice stillness Feel like you’re going nuts? Meditation apps like Headspace or Insight Timer can help quiet those racing thoughts.
OR… ENACT CHAOS MODE! If all of these ideas just feel like an unattainable nightmare of self-improvement claptrap, here are our alternative suggestions: Amen to ramen Have a competition with your Whatsapp group to see who can make the weirdest meal out of instant noodles. Ramen sandwich, ramen bake, superfood ramen salad sprinkled with turmeric and quinoa… the options are endless!
Email bingo See if you can shoehorn the following words into your WFH out-of-office email: “henceforth,” “curtailment,” “hunker,” “apocalypse” and “synergy.” Get drunk and go Amazon shopping What surprises will arrive on your doorstep in 2-4 weeks? Only time will tell!
Practice an attitude of gratitude It might be tough right now, but it’s worth taking a moment to write down the things you feel grateful for. Read less news While it’s important to stay aware of the current situation, bingeing on a stream of doom-laden articles isn’t good for your mental health. Pick a few trusted sites and try to limit your check-ins.
Quarantine cocktail hour What exciting drinks can you make with a selection of weird liquors left over from Christmas 2015, a shriveled up cucumber, and a tin of pineapple chunks you found in the back of the cupboard?
Find out once and for all whether human hair is selfcleaning Spoiler alert: it’s not! 29
Food
HEALTHY RECIPE
Bessara (Broad Bean Hummus) By Aziza Egyptian & Mediterranean Cuisine Enriched with herbs and spices, this broad bean dip from Chef Mohsen at Kennedy Town eatery Aziza is known to be great for fighting off toxins. Pair with warm pita bread, or veggie sticks if you’re eating light.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Medium
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS:
• 200 g dried broad beans
1. Ahead of time, place dried broad beans in a large bowl and cover with a generous amount of cold water. Set aside and soak overnight or all day. 2. Drain beans and peel using your hands. 3. Transfer peeled broad beans to a medium-sized pot and cover with a generous amount of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer until beans are tender, about one hour or longer.
• 2 cloves garlic
TIME
75 mins
• 1 onion, chopped • 1/3 cup olive oil • 1/4 cup lemon juice • 2 tbsp (or more) reserved cooking liquid • 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
TIP: Can also be diluted with vegetable stock to make a hearty soup.
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• 1 tsp ground coriander • 1/2 tsp sweet paprika • 1/2 tsp hot paprika (or cayenne pepper) • Chopped dill to garnish • 1 tbsp Chinese chives to garnish
4. Drain beans, reserving the liquid. 5. Transfer drained beans to a food processor or blender, and add garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, two tablespoons reserved cooking liquid, and spices. Process until smooth, adding additional liquid if necessary. Should be just thin enough to pour slowly. 6. Taste and season according to taste, then reheat until warm. 7. Garnish with salt, olive oil, chopped chives and fresh dill.
Sponsored Feature
DO YOU NEED A HEALTH COACH? Jasmin Blunck, Qualified Functional Medicine Health Coach at IMI, talks us through the many reasons why getting a health coach could be the best investment you ever make.
D
o you want more energy, or to feel a little healthier? Maybe you’ve been to the doctor and have been told to watch what you eat, exercise more and reduce your stress levels. Maybe your blood sugar, cholesterol or weight is a little high. Maybe you’ve tried to diet or start a new exercise routine but gave up after a few weeks. People often experience a gap between what they know they need to do, and actually doing it. They feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. It’s totally normal and you’re not alone! That’s where a health coach comes in. We start by finding out all about you. What do you want to achieve? What’s holding you back? Once we know what the goal is, we can work together on a holistic plan to get you there, and then we hold you accountable the whole way there. Got a question about nutrition? Experienced a setback? We’re here to provide rational, actionable and supportive advice to get you back on the right track.
Call for a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn how I can help you stick to those wellness goals, and make changes to long-term habits that’ll serve you for a lifetime. Jasmin Blunck is a certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, a qualified nurse and has a Diploma in Applied Nutrition. She practices at IMI. Drop her a line at jasmin@imi.com.hk or 2523-7121. 31
Pamper
THE GLOW UP News from the beauty aisle
HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW Hair loss is something we usually associate with men, but the truth is that it's almost as common in women. Andrea Clark is an expert in trichology, the scientific study of the hair and scalp, at the Mandarin Salon. We ask our most dis-tressing questions about female hair loss. By Carla Thomas
Q How do you get to the root (no pun intended) of the problem when it comes to hair loss? There are so many reasons we might experience hair loss of some kind. What needs to be determined is are we losing excessive hair because of an underlying (and treatable) cause, or is the diameter of the hair shaft gradually reducing because of your genetics? Q What are some common reasons women might start to lose their hair? If it’s not genetic, the most common would usually be iron deficiency. Other causes could be low levels of ferritin (which helps with iron storage), high levels of stress, hormonal changes during post-pregnancy or menopause, and proper absorption of nutrients (namely your gut health). Q What's the biggest myth about hair loss? There’s the misconception that all hair loss will be permanent. Once an underlying cause is found, often the hair will start to grow back within a few months, but it still takes time and patience due to the fact the hair only grows about a centimetre a month. 32
Q How can a trichologist help someone experiencing hair loss? Trichologists will delve deep into the possible underlying reasons, asking questions and examining the scalp for signs and symptoms. Most importantly, we offer a lot of reassurance and empathy. Q What are some signs that we should be concerned about hair loss, and what can we do about it? We all have to shed some hair daily, as this is normal. If there are extreme amounts of hair in the shower drain, if your pony tail seems thinner, or if you notice tufts of hair that look like breakage, don’t selfdiagnose; go see someone who can help solve the puzzle from professional experience with hair loss. Q Why is female hair loss still so taboo? I actually think it’s become less so for both men and women. We talk about a lot of topics more openly than past generations, and I believe we’re aware of our own health and wellness needs increasingly today. That said, although we have evolved as humans to not need our hair, it is and always will be important to our confidence and self-esteem, and can often be seen as a part of who we are.
Pamper
PRODUCT
LIV LOVES… MASKS SARAH FUNG, PUBLISHER Fresh Rose Face Mask ($510 for 100ml)
JING OF THE CHILL
Spent too long looking at world news lately? You could probably use a little extra relaxation in your routine to put you at ease. European lifestyle brand Rituals just released their Jing collection, inspired by the Chinese concept representing stillness and tranquility, and it’s a calming, rest-inspiring range of bath and body products that’s got us audibly exhaling. Using stressmelting essential oils like lavender, lotus and jujube, the entire collection is geared towards rest and sleep, with pampering hand masks, herbal teas, pillow mists, sleep serums, eye pillows, and everything else under the sun needed to nod off. Individual items start from $65, or pick up a gift set from $205. Available in-store (including ifc mall) or online. rituals.com/en-hk
MAKEUP CLASS
COS PLAY
Confounded by contouring? High-strung about highlighting? Why not take some of that extra time on your hands and finally learn how to execute a flawless face of makeup? Locally-owned Kalamakeup provides one-on-one or group makeup lessons for anyone looking for a serious glow up when it comes to their cosmetics routine. Makeup classes at this Central studio cover a wide range of topics, from how to achieve the perfect au naturel look to more advanced areas, like eyebrow shaping and eyeliner techniques. Students also get individualised skincare and makeup product recommendations, as well as instructions on proper makeup removal. Classes are 90 minutes, with all cosmetics and tools provided by owner Kalam herself. Private lessons cost $2,500 (or $4,000 for two), and anyone booking two or more classes receives a free set of professional makeup brushes. Room 101, Ivy House, 18-20 Wyndham St., Central, 9757-4220, kalamakeup.com.
"With a light rose scent, this mask has a jelly-like consistency and is awesome for delivering a shot of moisture and radiance to dry, tired skin. It's super gentle and soothing, making it ideal if you suffer from redness."
CARLA THOMAS, EDITOR Bodia Charcoal Pollution Detox Facial Mix (US$8.50 for 60g) “I discovered this all-natural Cambodian beauty brand on a trip to Siem Reap, and fell in love with their coconut charcoal and clay mask powder! You mix it up with a bit of water so it makes a paste, which sort of makes me feel like an olde tyme apothecary.”
ANSHU RIJHWANI, SENIOR SALES MANAGER Mask of Magnaminty ($205 for 315g) “I love this mask! It’s fresh peppermint blended with honey and evening primrose seeds. Refreshing and tingly, but not harsh or abrasive.” 33
Travel
TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer
W
ith COVID-19 spreading rapidly across Europe, the UK and North America, many of us are rethinking our travel plans - and rightly so. Social distancing is one of the most effective ways to curb the spread of the virus, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). That makes my job as a travel writer a little bit tricky, though, since it’s nearly impossible to keep a “safe distance” of 1-3 metres from other people during transit. The potential of catching the disease or unwittingly infecting others is simply too risky, so I have postponed upcoming trips to Switzerland, Germany, France and the US. It breaks my travelloving heart, but I have optimistic hopes of rescheduling later this summer. Of course, not everyone has the luxury of postponing their trips. For those who have to travel for work, attend a funeral, visit loved ones, or seek out specialised medical care, I’ve compiled a mix of pragmatic advice from the WHO, US Center for Disease Control, and the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (plus my own two cents) to help plan your journey. 1. PURCHASE INSURANCE. If your intended destination is not considered “high risk,” you can still buy comprehensive travel insurance to cover potential flight and hotel cancellations, delays and medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation. That said, many policies have excluded coronavirus-related claims in the small print, so be sure to read the terms carefully. 2. BE MILITANT ABOUT HYGIENE. Pack lots of hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes in your carry-on, so you can wipe down all of the surfaces - including your tray table, seatbelt, magazines, remote control and armrests - before using them.
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Travel
6. BE A TEAM PLAYER. Wear a face mask in public areas, so you don’t unwittingly spread the virus to those around you. Masks all sold out? Invest in a Scough. Comfy and colourful, these fashionable alternatives come with industrial-grade air filters that neutralise pollution, allergens and airborne particles, while keeping your sneezes to yourself. scough.com
Scough
7. WASH YOUR DAMN HANDS. By now, we all know that hand hygiene is essential. Thoroughly scrub your hands with soap regularly throughout your trip, especially before eating. And don’t touch your face! Seriously, stop it! 8. BUDGET EXTRA TIME. Airports around the world have set up mandatory health checkpoints, where you must have your temperature taken and disclose your health and travel history before proceeding to immigration. This can take anywhere from two minutes in Macau to two hours in the US, so plan accordingly.
LARQ Bottle
3. DON’T TOUCH THE SEAT-BACK POCKET. Even though airlines are ramping up sanitation efforts between flights, this is still bound to be one of the dirtiest areas of the plane. People stick their trash, used tissues and feet in there, so avoid this black hole of germs at all costs.
9. STAY INFORMED. Before and during travel, monitor your destination regularly via the WHO or your country’s official travel advisory, as the situation can change from hour to hour. who.int
4. BYO-TRAVEL PILLOW. Instead of using the reusable pillows on board, bring a pillow that’s easy to wash, like the Trtl Pillow. It has a removable cover that can be thrown in the washing machine along with your travel clothes. global.trtltravel.com 5. SANITISE YOUR WATER. Reusable water bottles are better for the planet, but they tend to collect germs. Solving the problem, the LARQ Bottle claims to eliminate up to 99.9999 percent of bio-contaminants via a self-cleaning process every two hours. livelarq.com
Trtl Pillow
Kate Springer is an Asia travel expert who contributes to Conde Nast Traveler, Vogue, CNN, BBC Travel, Forbes Travel Guide, Fodor’s, Vice, and more. Follow her travels on Instagram @katespringer. Send travel news to kate@kate-springer.com
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Family
FIT FAM
with Zoe Belhomme
Little People, Big Talk
Henriette Teuchler, School Health Professional at ESF Kennedy School, shares some tips on how to talk to children about the current COVID-19 outbreak.
W
atching the news and following information on social media about the COVID-19 virus can have the effect of making us all feel more anxious and worried, even more so for our children. The children are aware of schools being closed and seeing people wearing masks or being asked to put one on themselves. They pick up on the reactions of parents/ adults around them, so they all know that something is happening. With that in mind, here are some simple tips on how to communicate positively and effectively with children about the current pandemic. Keep Communicating Not talking about the virus and all these changes will make them feel anxious and may create feelings of panic. We should inform the children, provide sensible facts about what has happened, explain what is going on now (with a focus on positive facts) and give them clear information about how to reduce their risk of being infected by the disease in words that they can understand depending on their age. Model Calm and Open Behaviour Children, no matter what age, have a tendency to copy the reaction of the adults around them. It is therefore
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important that we keep calm and not panic, in order to help the children understand what is happening and decrease their levels of anxiety. Being calm, open and honest about our own thoughts/feelings when talking to our children about the COVID-19 virus can help increase the feeling of calm and safety in our children. It is important to reassure them that they are safe despite what they might be seeing or hearing around them. Maintain Routines Try to keep up routines and normalcy as much as possible during this time, and teach children how to protect themselves from getting sick, such as thorough hand washing, using alcohol gel when out and about, and wearing a mask in crowded places, as recommended by the Centre for Health Protection. Remind them to try not to touch their face or share eating utensils. These actionable instructions can help decrease anxiety and promote a sense of calm and control. Keep It Fun Most importantly, try to incorporate fun, being outdoors, exercise and relaxation for your children every day, as these are all ways to increase the children's wellbeing and boost their immune systems, while at the same time decreasing anxiety and panic.
Family
CLASS REVIEW
BAKE IT OFF If your little one loves to experiment in the kitchen, check out Bakebe, a candy-coloured baking space between Wan Chai and Admiralty. Two of our Liv mamas recently tested out a unicorn cupcake class with their five-year-olds, and it went over a treat! On arrival, you’re given a quick tour and a video explainer with the recipe and method. Equipment and ingredients are meticulously stored at stations around the space and the kids had a great time scooping, measuring and weighing the goods. With the help of Bakebe’s app, kids can actually complete the bulk of the work themselves, with parents on hand to handle hot or breakable items. Excitement levels reached all-time highs as the girls learned how to make rainbow swirl frosting, while the fondant unicorn horn and ears (mercifully made by the Bakebe staff) provided the perfect finishing touches. The whole process took around two hours, including a pit stop at the pick ‘n’ mix candy counter while we waited for the cupcakes to bake. The large, pristine and airy space makes this a perfect diversion while schools are off. $468 per parent and child duo. Includes instructions, equipment and ingredients. 3/F, 19 Hennessy Rd., Kam Chung Commercial Building, Wan Chai, 2117-9622, bakebe.com.
PARENT PICKS
PLANET ORGANIC Did you know that 60 percent of newborns experience eczema before the age of one? Faced with this problem for her own baby, one Hong Kong mum created The Wee Bean, an online store offering organic baby essentials. From bamboo fiber swaddles and hooded towels, to cotton bibs and wooden pacifier clips and teethers, The Wee Bean stocks a wide range of useful items that are hypoallergenic and gentle on baby skin. The line recently won a 2020 HK Smart Design Green Award for its sustainable design, packaging and production, and a portion of sales are donated to a local charity helping children in need in Southeast Asia. Check out the proudly local “Taste of Hong Kong” collection, featuring cute onesies and towels with patterns inspired by the city’s iconic food culture. Gift sets are also available for any new or expecting mama pals you may want to surprise. theweebean.com
Zoe Belhomme is our resident fitness writer and new mum. She loves working out, eco-friendly parenting, and partnering with her husband to produce some of the region’s biggest sports events at MBS Concepts. Reach out to her directly with your healthy family news at zoe@liv.media.
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