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FEBRUARY 2017 | l i v - m a g a z i n e . c o m LIV MAGAZINE
Be Our Valentine
Gifts, meals and other healthy treats
Hit the Bottle
Where to buy organic wines in Hong Kong
Yoga Massage
Yes, it’s a thing! Read our verdict
Bootcamp Bali
We head to Jimbaran for a buttkicking time
TST Goes Green K11 Natural launches
Girl Power Meet five of Hong Kong’s strongest women
PLUS Enter to win $30,000 worth of free stuff on p.16!
FEBRUARY 07 Editor’s Letter
LIV | NEWS 06 It’s a Date
Events for your diary
08 Hot Right Now
New happenings on the wellness scene
10 Fresh Cuts
Dining news that’s good for you
12 Cheat Day
Because #YOLO
14 Reviews
Yoga massage at Pause, and a hair treatment at Amour Salon
24 Healthy Valentines
Treat your sweetie with these V-Day recommendations
LIV | MORE 28 Just The Tipple
HK's best organic wines
32 Recipe
Coconut curry miso bombs from FoodCraft
34 Pamper
Our beauty picks for this month
36 Travel
CrossFit camp, Bali-style
42 Family
Activities for hard-to-please kids
LIV | STORIES
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50 How I Liv
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Etienne Rodriguez, The Green Race
18 Chicks Who Lift Meet Hong Kong’s strongest women
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EDITOR’S LETTER
DO YOU EVEN LIFT, GIRL?
We are so excited at Liv Magazine to bring you this month’s cover story, which is all about some of the strongest women in Hong Kong (p.18). From competitive athletes to weekend warriors who just love to lift, you can’t help but be inspired by their stories. Hopefully you’ll be pumped up and ready to take on the squat rack (or swing a sledgehammer, if that’s your thing) once you’re done reading. February means Valentine’s Day. And no matter whether cheesy declarations of love on February 14 make your eyes shine or your eyes roll, it’s always a good time to be good to yourself. So whether you’re attached, single or still swiping, you’ll find healthconscious treats, from spa treats to gift ideas to healthy V-Day meals, on p.24. In the depths of a Hong Kong winter, it has been pure torture to put together our travel story about a CrossFit camp in Bali (p.36). Our contributor Kate Turbett took herself away just before Christmas and came back singing its praises. We hope it inspires your next getaway. This month, we are also excited about the new K11 Natural retail zone that has just opened up in the TST mall. If you haven’t been yet, we highly recommend checking it out. Read all about it on p.8.
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS We sent Adam White off to interview five of the strongest women in Hong Kong. Read his dispatch on p.18.
Yoga under the Northern Lights? Kate Springer gives us the worst FOMO in her travel column on p.40.
Our family columnist Kate Farr learns all about the weird and wonderful activities you can take the kiddies on, p.42.
Andrea Lo goes in search of wine companies in Hong Kong that specialise in organic tipples, p.28.
CrossFit junkie Kate Turbett went solo to a Bali bootcamp for a fortnight... and loved it! Read all about it on p.36.
SARAH FUNG PUBLISHER
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Send invites and info to: Makerhive, 10/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town PUBLISHER SARAH FUNG SALES MANAGER AILEEN CHAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STACEY MARCELO ADMINISTRATOR JASMIN BLUNCK GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN, CONTRIBUTORS KATE FARR, KATE SPRINGER, ADAM WHITE, KATE TURBETT, ANDREA LO, RACHEL READ, DEIRDRE GRIFFIN PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING LIMITED, ROOM B, 3/F, DERRICK INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 49-51 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN ‘‘Liv Magazine’’ Copyright 2017 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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Calendar
IT’S A DATE FEB 11
HAPPY TRAILS
Grab your partner and sign up for the Lantau Base Camp Valentine’s Day Race. The 13k team trail run takes place on South Lantau, starting and finishing at Nam Sham picnic area on south Lantau Road, and is ideal for rookie trail runners looking for a bit of a challenge. There will be a gift for all entrants, as well as food and water breaks, and prizes for the winners in each category. How’s that for a different kind of date night? Race entry $350 for two from www.lantaubasecamp.com.
MARCH 2-5
CHEERS!
Love a good craft brew? Pay a visit to West Kowloon, which is hosting Hong Kong’s first edition of Beerfest, the popular beer festival that originated in Singapore. There’ll be four days of beer stalls, great food and entertainment, from (responsible) drinking games to DJ sets and bands. Advance tickets $150 (Thu, Fri, Sun) or $260 (Sat) in advance; $170 (Thu, Fri, Sun) or $280 (Sat) at the door. Includes a welcome beer. West Kowloon Cultural District, West Kowloon. Learn more at www.beerfestasiahk. com.
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FEB 11
MOON BOOM
Ring in the new moon with a Saturday night gong bath session at Red Doors Studio. There will be a chanting meditation session, followed by a 45-minute gong bath, in which several large gongs will be struck to fill the room with soothing sounds. Afterwards, you can relax with homemade yogi tea and brownies. Blankets, mats and lavender eye bags will be provided. 6-7:30pm, Red Doors Studio, 31 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., 2110-0152. $300 from www.red-doors.com.
Calendar
FEB 23-25
EXPO YOURSELF
Catch up on all the wellness industry trends by paying a visit to the LOHAS Expo and Vegfest Asia. Committed to promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle and introducing vegetarian food and cooking to Hong Kong, the LOHAS Expo will see hundreds of local and international exhibitors showcasing their wares, as well as regular talks and forums taking place each day. Feb 23-24 open to trade only; register online for free entry. Open to the public on Feb 25. Tickets $10 on the door. Hall 5F and G, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre 1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai, 3520 3617, www.lohasexpohk.com.
MAR 16-19
FOOD FEST
Bust out the stretchy pants: Taste of Hong Kong returns to the Central Harbourfront. Expect stalls from some of the city’s best restaurants - from Amber to Acane; Kuam to Yardbird - where you can buy light bites and mini versions of their signature dishes, allowing you to graze all day and experience some of the best cuisine Hong Kong has to offer. There’ll also be talks, workshops, gourmet markets, and a wine and champagne tent. General admission $138-$198, depending on date and session; VIPs $598-$678 from www.ticketflap.com. hongkong.tastefestivals.com.
FEB 11
BREAKFAST BOOGIE
Flush from their first event at PMQ, Daybreaker Hong Kong brings its (sober) daytime clubbing and fitness experience to the Maritime Museum. Pull on your disco pants and get ready to throw shapes with live entertainment, great tunes and a cool crowd of party animals. Fitness class 10-11am, dance party 11am-12:30pm. Maritime Museum, Pier 8, Central. $300 (fitness and dance) or $180 (just dance) from daybreaker.com/hk. 7
Cool Stuff
HOT RIGHT NOW News from the wellness scene
Edgar
Moreganic
In the Zone
Exciting news from Kowloon side: K11 shopping mall - known for its innovative, design-driven ideas - is branching out into the wellness world with K11 Natural, an all-new retail zone featuring 11 local and international wellness brands, from groceries to restaurants; skincare to accessories. Higlights include Edgar, a zerowaste grocery store concept from France with ultra-minimalist packaging; Moreganic, a Swedish store stocking KRAV-labeled goods (KRAV being a Scandinavian quality assurance standard that’s considered to be “beyond� organic); and Something Wild The Farm, a farm-to-table restaurant that sources its ingredients from Hong Kong. This is a going to be an absolute must-visit for anyone into wellbeing.
Something Wild 8
2/F, K11, 18 Hanoi Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, k11.com.
Cool Stuff
When Life Gives You Lemons…
K-Town is becoming Hong Kong’s unofficial wellness ‘hood, with more gyms and health food stores than you can shake a celery stick at. But there’s not been much for the yoga crew, until now. Enter Lemon Drop Studio, a sweet little sun-drenched spot located on the ground floor of the Cadogan apartment complex. With room for just 10 mats, this little studio has already been impressing the neighbourhood mums with its acrovinyasa, HIIT, hatha and yoga basics classes. What’s more, they’re doing their bit for the environment by stocking only cork yoga mats and blocks from eco-friendly yoga brand Yohola Yoga. Shop 2, 37B Cadogan St., Kennedy Town, 67693436, www.facebook.com/ lemondropstudiohk.
Throwing Shades
If you ever feel a pang of guilt at buying yet another pair of $50 plastic sunglasses from the market, you’ll be thrilled to learn about Papershades. Created by brother-sister duo James and Madi Chu (James is pictured right), this innovative young company designs and produces sunglasses made out of recycled paper and recyclable plastic. They’re tough, durable and designed to last a season, meaning that you get to change up your look with new designs, but without contributing to our overflowing landfills. And at $119 a pair, you won’t cry for days if you lose them at a festival or diving off a junk. Buy online and find out more at www.papershades.net.
Presents of Mind
Gifting is a bit of a tricky art form, and a great source of stress! But before you end up panic-buying yet another random knick-knack, pay a visit to Yours Truly Gifts, which has curated a beautiful selection of gift boxes that are practical, thoughtful and good for you too - think skincare, supplements and superfoods. The gifts are organised with the recipient in mind, so you’ll find hampers tailored to yoga bunnies, fitness newbies and busy beauty mavens on the go. And rather than your usual food hampers, you’ll find ones that are raw, packed with superfoods, gluten-free or that offer an energy boost. Top of our wish list? The Journey to Serenity ($680), which contains a massage oil candle, a jar of sleeping beauty tea and a creamy lip balm packed with calming ingredients. yourstruly.gifts. 9
Dining
FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you
REAL TALK Singapore-based snack box Made Real has launched in Hong Kong. This new snacking subscription company delivers tasty, health-conscious treats to your home or office. It’s simple: log onto the website and fill in a form that tells Made Real your snacking preferences. For instance, make a note if you prefer seeds, granola, nuts or cookies; have any dietary needs (paleo, vegan); or if you have food allergies (dairy, gluten) or dietary goals. Then pick either a weekly or monthly subscription, and Made Real will make sure that your snacks are perfectly calibrated to your diet and lifestyle. The snacks are either sourced from independent companies or are from the company’s in-house brand. madereal.hk.
FALAFELING AROUND Though its name might suggest otherwise, burger joint Beef & Liberty actually offers a ton of health-conscious and vegetarian-friendly options. From now until March 5, it’s offering a falafel burger ($98) at all its outlets. 100 percent vegetarian, it comes with harissa yoghurt, tahini and lemon juice, making it a tasty and filling meat-free meal. 3/F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2450-5778, www.beefliberty.com. Also has outlets in Wan Chai and Stanley. 10
Dining
WHAT DO HEALTHY PEOPLE EAT? Antonia Da Cruz, Manager, Guavapass
WINE TIME Love wine, but hate explaining your intake to your PT? You’ll be excited to learn about Slim Lady, a South African wine brand that combines traditional and modern winemaking techniques to create a tipple that’s lower in both calories and alcohol, but without compromising on flavour. At just 9.5 percent alcohol and 65 calories for a small glass, it’s perfect for junk trips, barbecues or daytime sessions. Available in sauvignon blanc or blush. $98 per bottle, with free delivery if you order six or more from www. maslowinternational.com.
colleague back in my finance Sum up your food philosophy in a sentence. days, when our days started at Eat whatever you want and enjoy 6.30am. I didn’t think it was too it! But also listen to that voice bad, although I wasn’t a massive inside your head telling you that fan of the gazpacho. My colleague moderation is key. This is probably on the other hand experienced not the soundest nutrition advice some very adverse side effects, you’ll ever receive. nausea, headaches, bowel problems - the works. What three items do you always have in your fridge? When were you at your least Wine. Chocolate. Coconut water. healthy? Probably back in my uni days! What’s your main protein source? I don’t think I ever want to relive Red meat. I love a juicy rib eye. Oh, those days again. and chicken and sashimi. I eat it all. When was the last time you ate What are your favourite McDonalds? restaurants when eating out? I wish I could say that wild horses The sushi at Ginza in Tsim Sha Tsui couldn’t drag me there, but this is divine. I also like Mott 32 for fatal incident did occur after one the char siu and Peking duck, Sha unfortunate night out during Tin 18 at the Hyatt Regency Sha Singapore F1 weekend. I didn’t Tin, Carbone... but to be honest, even recognise the menu (because nothing beats home-cooked meals I don’t go, obviously) but whatever at my parents’ home! I had was sinfully good. At the time. What do you eat on cheat day? I woke up the next day filled with I feel like I have these quite often. regret and hatred for myself for not Anything I want! Refined sugars, being able to say no. WHYYYY? junk food. What’s the one “unhealthy” thing that you can’t give up? Where do you go for a healthy lunch? Binge drinking. I tell myself If I’m working out of Central I’ll everyone is the same! Ha. usually head to Simply Life, Pololi, Mana!, Healthy Chicken or Supafood. In Causeway Bay I’ll head to the salad bar at CitySuper or Passion. There’s a massive lack of healthy options in Causeway Bay, unfortunately. Have you ever done a cleanse? How was it? I did a three-day juice cleanse with my 11
Dining
CHEAT DAY
Because life’s too short to always order the salad
HELLO, SWEETPEA Celiacs, rejoice; Hong Kong has a new gluten-free patisserie! Having done pop-ups and fairs all over Hong Kong, the now permanently homed Sweetpea Cafe serves up French and Japaneseinspired creations - think chiffon cupcakes and daily petite cakes topped with edible flowers that are almost too pretty to eat. You’ll also find protein pancakes, veggie-packed savoury muffins, healthy takes on brunch classics, and vegan and dairy-free options too. 4 Shin Hing St., Sheung Wan, 3689-7269, www.sweetpeacafe.hk.
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A bespoke vibrational jewelry brand.
Discover more on www.cliffvonedge.com
VALENTINE’S PROMOTION!
Let you be you. Be the first to discover www.keanuclifford.com #korsecrets
Reviews
TEST-DRIVE
Liv checks out the newest workouts and wellness trends
HAIR
WELLNESS
Yoga Massage at Pause
Pro-Fiber Hair Treatment at Amour Salon The Buzz: Located smack bang in the middle of Wan Chai, Amour Salon offers a fast and friendly service at a great price point: think $270-$490 for cuts and $550-$900 for colour. The experienced stylists have been trained at Vidal Sassoon or Toni & Guy. A salon partner for L’Oreal Professionel products, it has a new Pro Fiber treatment to help rescue damaged hair. The Treatment: First up, a relaxing shampoo session,
followed by a consultation with stylist Ray. He asked about the condition of our hair and whether we use hair dryers or straighteners. We explained that our fine hair often looked frizzy and unkempt in Hong Kong’s humidity. The correct product was then selected and applied, section by section, before we finally went for a rinse and blow-dry. All in all the treatment took about an hour. We were then sent home with four tubes of at-home treatment, which we were to use like conditioner to prolong the results. Verdict: We loved the effects of the treatment, which left our
hair smooth, glossy and easy to manage. Definitely one to try just before the humidity returns, particularly if you find other hair treatments too expensive or chemical-heavy. With that said, a bit more of a head massage would have made the treatment more indulgent. Price: $780, plus $340 for the at-home program. G/F, 38 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai, 2989-1555, www.amoursalon.com 14
The Buzz: Taking over the space formerly occupied by Sol Wellness, Mui Wo’s Pause expands into Central with a bright, cozy studio just off Hollywood Road. In addition to offering yoga and Pilates by founder Jill Marshall, Pause also has various wellness treatments, from Ayurvedic consultations to energy healing and everything in between. We wanted to try the yoga massage to help release our tight back and alleviate tension headaches. The Experience: Mona the therapist learned yoga massage in Nepal. She jokingly describes the treatment as “yoga for lazy people” as it helps you to get into deeper stretches that you can’t usually achieve on your own. It’s not dissimilar to Thai massage, though the process is gentler and more meditative. After asking about our body’s niggles, Mona concentrated on our legs, back and head, to help relieve tension in our problem areas. Though the pressure was intense at times, we definitely had more than a couple of “aaahhh” moments where we stretched deeply and felt tensions just melt away. The Verdict: Not being great lovers of Thai massage, we were surprised by how much we adored this treatment. It was incredibly relaxing, while also helping to iron out our postural problems with active stretching. The gentle head massage at the end allowed us to doze off, and rather than feeling groggy afterwards, we felt energised, positive and ready to tackle the afternoon. If you’re not a “hands-on” kind of person, you may find the amount of touching a bit intense, as Mona uses her whole body to support you during the treatment. The Cost: $950 for 60 minutes. 16/F, 41-43 Graham St., Central, 2581-9699, www.pause.hk.
WIN: A series of megaformer classes from H-Kore
GIVEAWAYS visit liv-magazine.com/giveaways for a chance to win!
H-Kore, Hong Kong’s only Lagree fitness studio, has just shipped in 12 brand-new megaformers! This turbocharged Pilates has participants working their muscles on this highly specialised equipment in a state of constant tension, meaning that you tone up fast and work hard in a 45-minute session. Want to give it a go? We have a set of 10 classes and a set of six classes to give away, worth $3,300 and $2,040 respectively. h-kore.com.
WIN: A gift hamper from Yours Truly Gifts
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, a thoughtful hamper from Yours Truly Gifts really has the recipient’s health at heart. Pick from hampers containing beauty treats, health supplements, superfoods, raw snacks, organic produce and more. Each gift comes beautifully boxed, making it a real experience. To celebrate the launch of Yours Truly Gifts, we are giving away one “Purification Inside Out” box worth $1,280, containing products to detoxify your body and leave you glowing. yourstruly.gifts.
WIN: An Orogold 24k Exclusive Facial Treatment The Beauty Gallery spa treatment centre has just launched in the WTC Centre in Causeway Bay. To celebrate its launch, it’s offering Liv Magazine readers the chance to win a 24K Exclusive Facial Treatment from Orogold. This 90-minute treatment comes with a consultation, followed by a treatment that’s tailored to best suit your skin type. Many of the products are infused with gold, which is said to have skincalming properties. We have a whopping 10 facials to give away, each worth $2,580. www.orogoldcosmetics.com.
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Enter at liv-magazine.com/giveaways by February 28 to win!
Cover Story
HONG KONG’S
Strongest
WOMEN Sure, these women can lift – but they’ve all found their own definition of strength. We meet the strong women of Hong Kong. By Adam White
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Cover Story
Rachel Knox T Age: 27 Height: 165cm Weight 68kg
Personal Bests (out of competition) Back squat: 142.5kg Deadlift: 166kg Bench press: 80kg
hree years of CrossFit led Rachel to the world of Olympic Weightlifting. After just a year-and-a-half of training, she went to her very first competition - and won - gaining her a spot on the Scottish national team. When she came to Hong Kong six months ago, she decided to start coaching full-time. She’s now a personal trainer at women’s gym Pherform. A STRONG LIFE makes everything a bit better and easier. I’m happier and healthier than I have ever been. When I’m 80 I hope to be still jumping out of a truck and picking up two grandkids at the same time. If other people can get to that point as well, it would be awesome. THE NEXT GOAL The open is coming up for CrossFit regionals, where I’d like to compete. The regional then goes to the CrossFit Games. I’d like to compete in
more powerlifting as well. DATING FIT My boyfriend is also my coach. He’s made me the strongest version of myself. Sometimes he has to drag me through it tooth and nail. I don’t think I’d be as bitchy with someone else! ADVICE FOR NEWBIES Just go and give it a try. Have fun doing it. Women are told not to lift weights: You get made to feel uncomfortable in that section of the gym. But it’s super empowering. It’s good for the soul. It’s therapy. GETTING STRONG HAS BEEN… Life-changing. Now I’m a coach in Hong Kong, I get to work with my boyfriend every day, and do what we love.
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Cover Story
Chalinene Bassinah
Age: 35 Height: 170cm Weight: 77kg Personal Bests (out of competition) Back squat: 105kg Deadlift: 145kg Bench press: 65kg
C
hali Bassinah got into Muay Thai seven years ago, and after 10 fights across the UK an`d Asia she has three titles to her name, including a British championship belt. In her most recent fight she took on world no. 1 Valentina Shevchenko, losing in a close decision. The demands of her day job in finance mean that she’s moved away from Muay Thai training, replacing it with what she calls “a new addiction”: CrossFit and strongman training. THE WORK-WORKOUT BALANCE Working out is a priority and I make time for it. Usually I wake up at 5.30am, get to the gym at 6.30am, and try to get into the office before 9:30am. I train about six times a week. During the week I do
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CrossFit, and during the weekend I do strongman. I would love one day to go to the Strongman world championships. GETTING LOOKS People who do any kind of sport appreciate my physique. But sometimes I get comments like: “you’re good the way you are, don’t put any more muscle on.” I didn’t know I was working out for you! HOW TO START OUT Start small, because getting strong is a process and it’s not a straight line. Be patient and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. And remember to record what you do, because we don’t always see how far we’ve come until we look back. BEING STRONG MEANS… Never backing down. Overcoming things that you were once not able to do. Supporting others. Lifting other people up.
Cover Story
Santina Philips S
antina, better known as “Bam,” is the co-founder of strongman gym Ursus Fitness. After moving to Hong Kong threeand-a-half years ago, she got involved in strongman training on Lamma, before opening Ursus just over a year ago. Together with Dani Means, she’s qualified for March’s Arnold Sports Festival in Ohio, and she’s also competing in the Arnold Classic Australia two weeks later. STRONG MINDS People think I work out purely because of vanity, because I want to look good. No: it really helps me mentally. Working out helps me stay calm and happy. BEING STRONG MEANS… My strong isn’t the same as someone else’s strong. You don’t have to be able to lift loads to come to a strongman class. It’s about setting a goal and achieving it.
THE RISE OF STRONGMAN Even five years ago, there were barely any women doing strongman. Now there are lightweight women - that’s our category - that are considered pros. They get paid, they get sponsorship. WORKOUT ADVICE Start small, build up. It’s good not to have an ego when you work out. The worst is when people worry that others will be better or stronger than them. Then you won’t even try. I HATE… Running. I don’t mind doing sprints, but if you told me to go outside and run 10K, I would literally moan the whole way. I ran a half-marathon once for a bet. When I finished, I was like: “Do people do that TWICE?” I hated every single step.
Age: 26 Height: 169cm Weight: 63kg Personal Bests (out of competition) Back squat: 105kg Deadlift: 145kg Bench press: 65kg
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Cover Story
Daniella Means D
ani was once a professional rugby player on the Hong Kong national team; she celebrated her 18th birthday playing at the Rugby Sevens. After leaving rugby to concentrate on her career, she found powerlifting and strongman training. After qualifying at the Arnold Classic Asia last August, she’ll be competing at the Arnold Sports Festival in Ohio in March alongside Santina Philips. BEING STRONG MEANS… It’s about being able to do something that you weren’t able to do before: Whether that’s mentally, or physically. To me, that’s strength.
Age: 26 Height: 158cm Weight: 74kg
HOW TO GET FIT Consistency. You can be doing the worst programme, but as long as you do it consistently, then you will improve. If you’re doing the best programme and you’re only doing it once a week, there’s no point. SOCIAL ANXIETIES You get a lot of bodybuilders and fitness models who have a huge following on social media. It’s tough, with a younger generation who are increasingly bombarded with these impossible images. RUNNING BLUES My dad was a runner, so he’s always dreamt of me being a runner too. Sorry, dad: I hate cardio. I’ll try and force myself to run 5 or 6k once a week, on a treadmill. WHY WE LIFT A lot of people ask me: “What’s the point? Why do you want to be able to lift that?” Well, why would you want to run a marathon?
Age: 26 Height: 164cm Weight: 61kg
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Personal Bests (out of competition) Back squat: 115kg Deadlift: 150kg Bench press: 77.5kg
Cover Story
Siufung Law B
odybuilder Siufung Law isn’t easily categorised. Born female, he’s socially male and describes himself as genderqueer. He first got into bodybuilding four years ago, and competes in female categories at bodybuilding tournaments. The HKU teaching assistant and genderqueer advocate is currently training for the Wings of Strength bodybuilding competition in Chicago this July. SEEING GENDER Within the bodybuilding circle in Hong Kong, men tend to see me as female. Women, if they’re also bodybuilders, just see me as another bodybuilder. THE BIKINI BINARY I really hated being a woman in the past. But after these competitions, I’ve liberated my femininity. I’d never worn a bikini in my life: the first time was on stage! The clothing, the makeup, the hair - I’d never done that before. I realised
that I don’t just have to be really muscular and very masculine. I can be feminine at the same time. You don’t need to choose sides.
Personal Bests (out of competition) Back squat: 160kg
MAKING SOCIAL STATEMENTS Deadlift:140kg For me, social media is making a Bench press: statement. That women can be 100kg strong, masculine - and beautiful as well. It’s also about how women’s own subjectivity can be expressed: How they want to look, and want people to look at them. THREE SIMPLE RULES Eat well, train well, sleep well. BEING STRONG MEANS… Confidence. Being muscular doesn’t mean being strong. But being confident, you are strong.
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Valentine’s Day
A WHOLE LOTTA LOVING This Valentine’s Day, swap out flowers and chocolates for something a little more health conscious. By Liv Magazine staff
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COZY ROSY
Treat yo’self (and someone special) at the Grand Hyatt’s Plateau Spa, with its Rose Indulgence promotion. Priced at $2,200 for two you get a 60-minute hydrating massage using rose essential oil, followed by afternoon tea and canapes, either in your treatment room or in the Tiffin Lounge. Looking for more spa time? There’s also the Spring Reviver package, which includes a 90-minute massage and a glass of champagne (or healthy juice) each for $2,900 per couple. The promotions are available until April 30. 11/F The Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai, 2584 7688, hongkong.grand.hyatt.com.
GOOD VIBRATIONS
If your significant other loves crystals and healing stones, they’ll be thrilled with a gift from local jewellery brand CLIFF VON EDGE, which has combined onyx, quartz, amber, agate, lapiz and more to create a collection of bright, beautiful jewellery that’s easy to wear and sure to attract admiring glances at yoga class. We love the lime green quartz and tourmaline double-wrap bracelet (main image, $880). Visit their Sheung Wan showroom by appointment only or buy online at www.cliffvonedge.com.
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Valentine’s Day
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COCO FOR YOU
Coconut Matter and organic spa Sparadise have joined together to offer a coconut-themed treatment that’s just for couples. It starts with a body mask and scalp massage, followed by a sugar, honey and coconut oil scrub. Then after a shower you have a massage using virgin coconut oil to help nourish the skin. The treatment is available from February 11 to March 11 and is priced at $1,120 per couple for 60 minutes, or $1,400 for 90 minutes. 3-4/F, 60 Wellington St., Central, 2997-2208, www.sparadise.com.hk.
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SO SOLID CREW
A totally natural line of solid perfume sticks from Paris, Sabe Masson comes in 16 scents, ranging in profile from floral to fruity and woody. Free from alcohol and parabens, and rich in skin-friendly ingredients such as mango butter, shea butter and tamanu oil, the perfumes are all blended with natural aromas for a natural, subtle smell. The recyclable cardboard tubes are also super eco-friendly, and come in gorgeous designs to boot. $280 from retail partners citywide, including WOAW Store, 11 Gough St., Central, 2965-2762, woawstore.com.
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Valentine’s Day
THAT’S A MEZZE
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Looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner that’s not your usual line up of steaks, black truffle and sickly desserts? Maison Libanaise has a six-dish mezze meal on February 14, which includes traditional dips, roasted cauliflower with spicy harissa, almond falafel, lean chicken skewers, and sole fillet with preserved lemon. What could be more romantic than bundling up on their open-air terrace and sharing a spread of healthy, tasty dishes under the fairy lights? 10 Shelley St., Central, 2111-2284, www.maisonlibanaise.com.hk.
newsletter@liv-magazine.com
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Valentine’s Day
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ONE FOR THE GENTS What do you get for the man who has everything? How about a pamper sesh at The Mandarin Barber? The His Time package starts at a very reasonable $810, and includes a shampoo, cut, blow-dry and wet shave, all in the Mandarin’s art deco-inspired man cave.
The Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd., Central, 2825-4088.
Skin SOS treatment for Acne (3) - Fractional CO2 Laser By Dr. Szeto King Ho Director, Hong Kong Emergency Medicine Centre The majority of 11 to 40 year olds will experience acne at some point in their lives. It affects both men and women, but younger men are more likely to get acne due to higher testosterone levels, which can exacerbate the condition. If you've never had acne, you are one of the lucky few! Fractional Laser Resurfacing is a new technology that can obtain results that are similar to that of deep chemical peels, or the old generation ablative laser resurfacing, minus the discomfort or downtime associated with such techniques. The technology utilizes laser energy micro beams to penetrate and break down skin tissue through the epidermis. Your body will naturally heal, and during the process, it creates new, healthy tissue to replace the affected areas that have undergone treatment. Scars
Call our 24-hour hotline:
65118000
should be lighter in colour and your skin texture will be more even. You are able to apply makeup immediately after the procedure. Depending on your skin, additional treatments are spaced one to four weeks apart for a total of four to five treatments. Over the next few months, further collagen remodelling and some skin tightening will help to maintain your acne-free complexion. Do consult your doctor to determine the best course of action for your skin. This treatment is suitable for individuals with skin that is aging, wrinkled, sagging or that has an irregular texture. It may also be used to treat skin damaged by sun with irregular pigmentation. Individuals with darker skin are advise not to undergo this treatment.
Email info@emchk.com
www.emchk.com
The Hong Kong Emergency Medicine Centre is accredited by the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) and the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM)
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Food
O F
T H E
T I M E S
Looking to live healthier, but can’t quite part with your chardonnay? Here’s why to buy organic wine in Hong Kong. By Andrea Lo
LA CABANE The SoHo crowd will be familiar with La Cabane, which runs a wine cellar and bistro on Hollywood Road, as well as Bayta restaurant in Sheung Wan. Wines made from organic grapes are the name of the game, and La Cabane sources its selection from more than 100 winemakers. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the French and Aussie wines on offer, and there’s also a selection from Italy and Argentina, as well as rarer varieties from Slovenia and Georgia.
MUST TRY
The Antoine de Femme 2014, A carbonic maceration syrah from Adelaide Hills, Australia. It’s a vibrant wine developed in a neutral oak barrel, and is lower in tannins than conventionally fermented wines.
97 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2517-0186, lacabane.hk.
6 WINES 6 Wines sources its organic and biodynamic selections directly from family wineries in Italy - two in the Friuli region and one in Piemonte.
MUST TRY
DELIVERY OPTIONS:
The wordy I Clivi Malvasia Vigna 80 Anni 2014, made from malvasia grapes grown on 80-year-old vines. Created using the natural fermentation process, it preserves the wine’s citrus flavour with apple and white blossom notes. Free delivery for purchases of $500 and above; $80 fee otherwise. Delivery is currently not available to outlying islands.
6-wines.com. 28
Food
N AT U R A L FOOD & BEVERAGES Specialising in organic and biodynamic wines from France, Natural Food & Beverages mainly caters to the restaurant industry, though it runs a fancy showroom in Sheung Wan where customers can visit for tastings and shopping.
MUST TRY
Want something that'll spark a conversation? Try the Egiategia, the only wine in the world vinified under the Atlantic ocean. Why? Proponents claim that the water can help the wine maintain a consistent temperature and reduce access to light, while the pressure and tidal motions help with the vinification process.
8 Wa In Fong East, Sheung Wan, 2548-8210, www.natural-fnb.com.
WINE ‘N’ THINGS Delve into the world of rare, top-notch wines at Wine ‘n’ Things, which sources from boutique and family wineries across Australia, New Zealand and Chile. MUST TRY
Wines from Matetic Vineyards in Chile, a family-run winery that’s a pioneer in the region for certified organic produce.
CORK C U LT U R E Most of Cork Culture’s organic and biodynamic wines are sourced from around a dozen growers in smaller regions in France, with only a few hundred bottles from each winery coming in every year. You can look forward to more products from German and Italian producers later this year, though.
MUST TRY
DELIVERY OPTIONS:
Varieties from “rebel” winemaker Yann Bertrand, who is a popular name in Paris wine bars. Free delivery for purchases of $1,500 and above; fees of $180-$230 apply otherwise. Only available to outlying islands for purchases of $1,500 and above, upon which a $200 fee applies.
www.corkculture.hk.
DELIVERY Free delivery for purchases of $1,000 and OPTIONS: above. Not available for outlying islands.
winenthingshk.com.
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Food
VERO CONCEPT French wine lovers, this one’s for you. Wines at Vero Concept are sourced from 14 boutique wineries from France, with around 100 types to choose from.
MUST TRY
DELIVERY OPTIONS:
Chateau Croix de la Roche, Cremant brut blanc NV. It’s fermented in oak barrels and aged for eight months - followed by an 18-month minimum of bottle fermentation and horizontal aging. Free delivery for purchases of $1,000 and above. Pick-up available.
www.veroconcept.net.
S I M P LY WINE Importer and distributor Simply Wine features a healthy selection of New World wines, and has also recently expanded to Old World varieties from Italy, France and Germany. Everything from sparkling wines and dry wines to sweeter tipples are available, with a strong emphasis on minimal intervention and low-sulphite varieties.
MUST TRY
A light pinot noir from New Zealand’s Artisan Wine, or a medium-bodied pinot grigio from Spring Seed Wine, McLaren Vale, Australia.
DELIVERY Free delivery for purchases of six OPTIONS: bottles and more; otherwise a $75
delivery fee applies. simplywines.com.hk.
All-natural, gluten-free, paleo-friendly sugar-free treats & our exotic flavored nuts such as tandoori, jalapeño, mint & much more delivered to your doorstep Our healthy treats are ideal for gifting or just plain munching.
ORDER NOW follow us on
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Goodearth_healthytreats
www.goodearthhk.com
info@goodearthhk.com
+852 66297138
Food
WHY GO ORGANIC? What’s the deal with organic wine anyway? We talk to Alison Christ, founder of organic wine bar and restaurant MyHouse; and Kevin Shum, founder of 6 Wines.
On health benefits... AC: “In mass-produced wines, you're not getting any benefits except for an alcoholic buzz. There are a lot of [organic] wines that fight bacteria, because of the natural antibodies within the grapes. Organic wines don’t have added chemicals, which reduces the chance of a hangover.” KS: Non-organic wines contain sulphites, which helps them keep for longer. Some people are
sensitive to sulphites, which can affect how you feel after drinking.
On drinking to save the planet… AC: For the environmentally conscious, drinking organic wine supports the organic industry and helps the planet in general.
On picking what to drink... KS: Wine-drinking is subjective to personal taste, so choosing which organic wine to have isn't that different to picking out a normal one. Look out for certifications on the label if you want to go organic.
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Food
HEALTHY RECIPE
COCONUT CURRY SOUP MISO BOMBS By FoodCraft
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
Makes four miso bombs This is instant soup like you’ve never seen it before! Prep these miso-curry bomb at home, and simply drop one into hot water when you’re ready for an intensely savoury and warming winter broth. As chickpea miso is also a probiotic, it’s great for your gut, too.
INGREDIENTS:
METHOD:
• 120g chickpea miso
1. Mix all ingredients except the desiccated coconut in a bowl.
• 3 tbsp coconut milk powder • 2 tbsp curry powder • 1 tbsp tomato powder
TIP:
If you can’t find chickpea miso, light soy miso will also work. Just watch your sodium intake!
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• 1 tbsp onion powder • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tbsp desiccated coconut to roll the miso bombs in
2. Divide the paste into four and shape into balls with your hands. 3. Roll the miso balls in the dessicated coconut, thoroughly coating them. 4. Wrap them up or store them in an airtight box. They will last in the refrigerator for a month.
TO SERVE: Place the miso bomb in a soup bowl, add 150ml hot water and mix well. Your instant miso soup will be ready in seconds.
Pamper
READY SET GLOW with Rachel Read
HOW NUDE
GET YOUR KIT OFF Hong Kong’s homegrown beauty scene has been coming on leaps and bounds in recent times, and the latest local brand to tickle our fancy is Kit + Joe Botanicals. Their range of soaps and scrubs, all handcrafted in small batches right here in HK, are totally pushing our pampering buttons. Think top-quality all-natural ingredients, gorgeous packaging, delicious scents and a fantastic “Bar for Bar” pledge where they will donate one bar of soap to a registered Hong Kong charity for every bar sold. Our current favourite scents are peppermint and lavender… or blood orange with cinnamon and clove… or coconut and lime with green tea… OK, we can’t really pick a favourite, but free delivery within Hong Kong whatever the order size makes Kit + Joe an all-round winner. Bar soaps are $78 and body scrubs are $150. www.kitandjoe.com.
Nude By Nature, one of Australia’s top mineral cosmetics brands, is now available in Hong Kong. The range harnesses the natural power of native Australian ingredients like avocado oil, quandong fruit and the amazingly-named lily pily flower, whilst ditching synthetics and preservatives, too. They’re also 100 percent cruelty-free and PETA certified. The large line has everything you need to create a flawless face - including foundations, concealers, blushes, illuminators and finishing powders - as well as a range of hypoallergenic brushes to apply it all with. And, it all comes in extremely covetable rose-gold packaging… yes, we’re shallow like that, but these pretties are going to look great in all those Instagram #flatlay shots! The makeup ranges from $160-340, brushes are $160-240, or you can treat yourslef to the full brush set for $390. Available at Harvey Nichols, 15 Queen's Road Central, and selected Watsons stores citywide. www.nudebynature.com.
SWISS BLISS This one’s for the all luxury spa junkies… although who wouldn’t be a luxury spa junkie given the chance (and the budget!)? Super-swish Swiss skincare brand Valmont’s spa - handily named The Spa by Valmont has just relocated to even swankier premises in Central. Rivalling any of the five-star hotel spas in Hong Kong, their new uber-indulgent digs boast five VIP treatment rooms with elements like private steam rooms, personal Jacuzzis and water massage beds. Sign us up for a spa day, stat! 1/F, Pacific House, 20 Queen's Road Central, 31019998, www.evalmont.com.hk.
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ASK THE EXPERT VALENTINE'S DAY EDITION!
By Dr. Winnie Mui, Dr. Lauren Bramley & Partners
With the leaps and bounds made in medicine in the past few year, people are increasingly turning to medical technology to help boost their sex lives. Here
THE BARE NECESSITIES BareMinerals are pretty much the OGs of the natural beauty scene and their range just keeps getting bigger and better. Their latest addition is the Correctives Collection, a small but perfectly formed set of precision-targeted products that tackle specific skincare sob stories, such as wrinkles, dark circles, blemishes and intense dryness. There are three super serums (Brilliant Future Age Defence & Renew, Eternalixir Skin-Volumising Oil, and Blemish Remedy Acne Clearing Treatment) and an eye cream, all clinically tested and fuelled by the brand’s mineral expertise to make the most of high-performance peptides, vitamins and botanical extracts. Simply pick the product that addresses your specific skincare concern - or cover all your bases and buy the lot. Prices range from $330-470. Available at SOGO Causeway Bay, FACESSS Harbour City and Beauty Avenue Langham Place. www.bareminerals.com.hk.
are some of the creative treatments currently being pioneered around the world. Lip Service Fuller lips (both above and below!) can be achieved with temporary fillers. Hyaluronic acid gels last 4-6 months, whereas the "Cinderella Pout" technique uses saline to plump the lips for 6-8 hours. Labial “puffing” and clitoral enhancement with fillers are also gaining popularity in many countries. What's Up Down There? There are some patented shots that help to enhance sexual satisfaction. For instance, the G-shot™ involves injecting filler into the G spot, while the O-shot™ is an injection of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) into the G spot. For vaginal rejuvenation, lasers, radiofrequency and PRP can be employed to tighten vaginal walls. For the Boys The most commonly used sex aids for men are Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Stendra, all of which enhance the effects of nitric oxide to increase blood flow. In Korea, penile enhancements with fillers is gaining popularity, while P-shot™ offers
Rachel Read is a freelance writer, editor and cofounder of writing agency Editors’ Ink (www.editorsinkhk.com); she also has her own lifestyle blog, Through The Looking Glass (www.rachttlg.com) where she reviews beauty, food and whatever else she can think of. Follow her on Instagram too @rachttlg.
a combination of PRP and vacuum suction (penile pump) for longer-term effects, particularly for those who erectile dysfunction as a result of illness or surgery. If it's looks you're after, "Scrotox" is - you guessed it - botox for your scrotum, which helps to smooth out wrinkles and decrease sweating. Disclaimer: this article is informational, not all listed procedures or products are readily available. Some of these methods are unconventional and controversial; the goal here to present the recent trends.
Information presented by Dr. Lauren Bramley & Partners
Travel
Bish, Bash, Bali Kate Turbett takes on a two-week CrossFit challenge in Bali’s Jimbaran Bay. Photos by Adam Leaders
S
itting in my favourite coffee hub in Sai Ying Pun back in December, clutching my post workout caffeine fix, I overhear a conversation taking place on the table beside me: “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” With the Christmas holidays on the horizon, I couldn’t help but think ahead to the new year. Where would I be? What new things would I explore? Could I be a better version of the person I was right now? As I
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sank into my chair, I glanced up at a poster for a new gym and saw the words, “Train insane or remain the same!” It felt like fate, so I booked a spot on an intensive CrossFit camp and bought a ticket to Bali. Six weeks later, I found myself nervously touching down in Denpasar Airport. My destination? A two-week extreme fitness retreat organised by Ultimate Fitness Holidays, an active holiday company that
Travel
runs programs in both Bali and Thailand. The bootcamps attract people from all walks of life, from keen CrossFit enthusiasts to fitness newbies looking to get whipped into shape, and even people who had experienced a traumatic time, and were looking to get empowered with a new, stronger body. The camp, located amid the five-star resorts of Jimbaran Bay, offers an intensive fitness programme that’s open to men and women of all ages and fitness levels. What you can achieve depends on how long you stay, but even short-term guests benefit from the intensive workouts and personal attention from expert fitness trainers.
CrossFit focuses on functional movements performed at high intensity, with aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running and rowing. It’s known for getting practitioners fit, and fast. The bootcamp package includes three workouts each day, accommodation, a daily lunch and dinner meal program, a surf lesson, three yoga classes, one PT session, a day trip, and airport transfers. Throughout the duration of your stay, you will be working closely with two highly trained CrossFit coaches who will support and guide you through your fitness journey, both in terms of fitness and nutrition. Included in the program is a nutritionistdesigned “Fit Meal” menu of delicious and authentic Balinese lunches and evening meals, all made in-house with fresh ingredients. It’s not all intense workouts though. Between classes there are plenty of fun activities to get involved in, from surfing and yoga to temple excursions and trips to nearby beaches. The yoga takes place on the gym’s rooftop, which looks over the white sands of Jimbaran.
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Travel
Accommodation Participants have the option of staying either on the grounds of the gym in its communal villa, or at the Balinese Jimabaran Bay Beach Hotel and Spa, which is five minutes away by foot. The shared villa, which most people opt for, has seven dorms, each with two to four beds and an ensuite bathroom. It’s the easy (and cheaper) option as you can just roll out of bed and head straight to the gym. For something a little more luxe, I opted for the hotel and was thrilled with my choice. It came with a healthy buffet breakfast every morning, and the facilities included a pool, an exquisite and well-priced spa, a rooftop terrace bar and restaurant with gorgeous views across the bay, and (if you just can’t get enough punishment) the hotel gym. The bootcamp is located conveniently between Bali’s tourist hotspots, so when you are not training, it’s easy to get out and explore. From Jimbaran, you are only 20 minutes to Kuta, and 35 minutes to Nusa Dua, Sanur or Denpasar City. One of
the highlights of the trip was a night hike adventure up Mount Batur to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises. Mount Batur is an active volcano located at the center of two concentric calderas north west of Mount Agung on the island of Bali, located two hours away by car. The trip itself can be easily organised by the hotel or villa staff, who are more than happy to help you enjoy all the adventures the island has to offer. I think one of my biggest fears was of travelling alone, something I had never done before. If you are concerned about embarking on a bootcamp solo, don’t be. There is a real social atmosphere at the camp, and it is a really supportive environment where everyone gets to know each other very quickly. Serious physical exercise in a group can be quite a bonding experience, so it does not take long for people to warm up and get to know one another. This was a super kickstart to 2017 and one I can’t recommend enough.
An arts teacher by day, wellness fanatic Kate Turbett has lived in Hong Kong for two years and loves everything the city has to offer its fitness community.
Practical information
Poolside at the Ultimate Fitness villa
Cost: The most basic one-week package, including all workouts, dormitory accommodation and food, is just under HKD$4,000. Prices go up if you want to stay for longer or if you go for the hotel option. Flights are not included. Visas: The longest bootcamp available is eight weeks, due to visa limitations. In most cases, visitor can get a 30-day visa upon arrival and then extend to 60 days. Be sure to check the latest visa information for Bali before booking. ultimatefitnessholiday.com
The Balinese Jimbaran Bay Beach Hotel 38
Travel
TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer
NORTHERN STAR SALUTATIONS If you’re looking for a digital detox like nothing else on earth... head to the Arctic Circle. Folk Rebellion - a Brooklyn-based wellness travel specialist - is organizing yoga under the Northern Lights in Yellowknife, Canada, where travelers can do their downward-facing dogs under the aurora borealis. Sorry, Instagram addicts, you’ll have to experience this one in the moment. Held from February 17-24, the weeklong yoga retreat is all about logging off and savouring the winter wonderland. Every day starts with yoga by Blachford Lake, followed by your choice of outdoor activity - be it skiing,
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snowshoeing, ice fishing, hiking, or snowmobiling. Cozy cabins with open decks offer starry views in the evening, while on-site chefs cook up organic communal meals. Since your iPhone battery won’t be there to keep you warm at night, be sure to pack a parka or grab a seat in the hot tub. Too last-minute to unplug? Check out the website for more upcoming adventures. From US$2,580 ($20,006). Includes food, accommodation, beer and wine, plus a sea plane to the lake. www.folkrebellion.com.
Travel
CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET? Secret Retreats is all about keeping the best things in life hush-hush, except when it comes to all-new experiences. The travel specialists recently launched its “Secret Journeys,” which are hosted by local guides promising to take you to secret spots across Asia, miles away from the typical tourist trail. The itineraries start from three to 10 days, and could include a trip to Ladakh in the Himalayas or a river adventure through Borneo. No matter where you head, the pros promise culture and food-fueled finds that you’ll want to share as soon as you’re back on the grid. On second thought, you might want to keep this one to yourself. Three-day journeys from US$675 ($5,234). www.secret-journeys.com.
SUIT YOURSELF There are all kinds of “smart” suitcases on the market these days, but they all look a bit clunky and industrial. Until now: Raden’s A28 Check debuted at the end of 2016, bringing with it tech-savvy smarts and style in spades. The London-based brand has drawn up 10 colors and right-on-trend matte options for this hard-case luggage which is supposedly strong enough to jump on. Aside from looking slick, the 3.8-kilo suitcase charges devices on the go, syncs with a travel app to track your bag’s location, sends traffic alerts, notifies you of weather conditions, and updates your flight itinerary. Even better, it also automatically weighs itself, so you don’t have to worry about going overboard. From US$395 ($3,062). www.raden.com.
Kate Springer is an Asia travel expert based in Hong Kong. Tag along on her adventures at Wish You Were Here (wywhere.com), or find her on Instagram and Twitter @KateSpringer.
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Family
F
ootball class on Monday, swimming on Wednesday, basketball on Friday and rugby at the weekends. All great sports for active little people, but don’t you (and they) occasionally feel like mixing things up a little? We’re looking at six unconventional
Keep the tiddlers interested in keeping active with these out-ofthe-ordinary sporting activities. By Kate Farr
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Family
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Family
FIT FAM with Kate Farr
Kung Hei Fat Choi and a very warm welcome to the Year of the Rooster. Here’s what’s ruffling our feathers this month.
SOCK IT TO ME
WE NEED A HERO
Made from super-soft, pesticide-free bamboo fibre, Eureka Socks are naturally antimicrobial and in fact biodegrade when you’ve finished with them, making them a clear eco-champion. But that’s only half of the story behind this Discovery Bay-based company. For every pair of socks sold, Eureka will donate a second pair to nominated charities in Hong Kong and elsewhere in Asia. Children are encouraged to get involved with this “Soles for Souls” programme by adding a handwritten note or picture to along with local charity deliveries. There are even opportunities for them to help with handing out donations. What better way to put your best foot forward in 2017?
The brainchild of Yat Siu, tech entrepreneur and director of the Asian Youth Orchestra, Chord Hero is on a mission to democratise music by making it easier - and cheaper - to learn an instrument. While music learning is widely understood be good for kids, lessons require a huge outlay of both time and money. Enter the Chord Hero Strummer, a high-quality, low-cost guitar that’s supported by the Monster Chords app, an engaging mobile game that allows progression as correct musical sequences are played. The result? Kids that actually enjoy their music practice. and you don't have to fork out for lessons. Rock on. Guitar costs US$59-69 (HK$458-535); Monster Chord App available on iTunes for US$1.99 per month. Buy online at chordhero.com.
Patterned kids socks start at $35 per pair or $100 for four; plain kids socks cost $50 for two or $120 for six; adult socks cost $70 or $200 for five. Buy online at eurekasocks.com
BRAIN CHILD Aiming to give children aged between 5-11 mindfulness tools, Inner Rainbow Mindfulness is a seven-week course run by kinesiologist Kate Baldwin and naturopath Louise Kane Buckley. Classes utilise age-appropriate exercises, meditation, emotional communication games, journaling and art to promote whole body health. Fees also include online content to support learning at home. Classes run in Sai Kung, Fo Tan and Hang Hau from February 10 until March 29. Seven-week course costs $2,700 per child For more information to book, visit facebook.com/innerrainbowmindfulness. Kate Farr is the co-founder of writing and editing agency Editors’ Ink (editorsinkhk.com). She also blogs about Hong Kong family life at Accidental Tai-Tai (accidentaltaitai.com). Send your family health news to kate@editorsinkhk.com
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Family
Say I do ! Hong Kong’s wedding magazine is launching in March! The ultimate guide for trend-setting brides, My Hong Kong Wedding tells you everything you need to know about getting hitched in Hong Kong. Available for free at bridal gown shops, photography studios, hotels, wedding venues, spas and gyms citywide. ENQUIRIES:
contact@myhkwedding.com
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The Guide RAW RESOURCES
Foodcraft
Allergy-friendly packaged foods, including raw coconut yogurt and parfaits, stoneground nut butters, dehydrated nori snacks, flax crackers and cocoroons. Available online or in health food stores citywide. Kitchen: Flat A, 21/F, Yiuga Factory Building, 62 Victoria Rd., Kennedy Town, www.foodcraft.hk.
Greenwoods Raw Cafe
Raw food, Asian-style. Greenwoods has raw vegan soup noodles, sushi rolls, raw tofu cheesecakes and other sweet treats. Fruit “pizzas”, wraps and Western-style raw dishes also available. 13/F, 2 Carnarvon Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3428-2416, www. facebook.com/GreenwoodsRawCafe.
Maya Cafe
Mediterranean raw takeout spot, with a few seats available for dine-in. Offers raw dips, zoodles, plenty of raw desserts and juices, as well as non-raw vegan mains. G/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des
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Peace of Green Rawsome Kitchen Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan,
barbecue grills.
2111-4553, www.facebook.com/
www.farmerskitchen.com.hk.
MayaCafeMediterraneanLifestyle.
Peace of Green Rawsome Kitchen
POG holds regular raw cooking workshops, where you can learn how to prep raw food - from tree nut cheese to bliss balls - at home. Also does regular pop-up brunches, catering and private meals.
Gonzalo Kosher Meat
Specialises in grass-fed beef from Uruguay, which is certified antibioticand hormone-free. Also happens to be Glatt Kosher. Also on offer are lamb, turkey, chicken, veal, sausages and cold cuts. www.gonzalo.hk.
www.facebook.com/pogkitchen.
GRASS-FED MEAT Farmer’s Kitchen
Grass-fed australian beef and lamb, with plenty of large cuts at a good price for carnivores on a budget. Also available are barbecue packs, salts and sauces, and even Australian
Farmer’s Kitchen
Meat Market
Predominantly sells grass-fed bonein cuts, roasting joints, secondary cuts, steak packs - and that’s just the beef section. There’s a handy key on every product, telling you everything you need to know: the country of origin, whether it’s chilled or frozen, how the cattle is fed, and more. Also has a great selection of organic and hormone-free pork and chicken. www.meatmarket.com.hk.
Mm Fresh Food
Grass-fed, wet-aged beef and lamb from New Zealand that’s free-range, hormone-free and fully traceable. Also offers sustainably-caught seafood from the waters off New Zealand and Australia. Deliveries are made on Fridays to Hong Kong Island, and Saturdays to the rest of Hong Kong. www.mmfreshfood.com.
Pacific Gourmet
Has plenty of choice when it comes to beef. Each product is marked as grain- or grass-fed on the website. Prices start at $282 per kilo for grassfed striploin. Organic, hormonefree poultry, Australian pork and deli meats also on offer. Delivery available six days a week. www.pacificgourmet.com.hk.
Tenderloin Fine Foods
Offers grass-fed beef from New Zealand and Argentina, both of which offer free-range, lean and hormonefree cuts. Also has free-range lamb from Australia or New Zealand. Preparation tips available on the website. tenderloin.com.hk.
OUTDOOR WORKOUTS Apefit
Functional training inspired by the movements of animals. Classes take place in Kennedy Town, Mid-Levels, Sai Ying Pun and the Southside. Prices are $200 for a drop-in session; packages make this cheaper. ape.fit.
Bikini Fit
Women-only outdoor training club with programs in Victoria Park, Hong Kong Park, Sun Yat-sen Park and Kowloon Park. Workouts take place daily over a 12-week cycle, with plenty of support, personalised attention and lectures for a full lifestyle overhaul. bikinifit.com.hk.
Circuit 25
One of Hong Kong’s first outdoor bootcamp classes. Runs sessions in Bowen Road, Victoria Park, ICC and Happy Valley. circuit25.com.
NT Bootcamp
An outdoor bootcamp based in the New Territories. Classes currently run three times per week: Sundays at 11am in Sha Tin Wai, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm in Kowloon Tong’s Cornwall Street park. The first class is free; packages are $180 for three sessions, down to $140 each if you buy 10. www.facebook.com/ NTBootcamp. Bikini Fit
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Your Small Business Here and underneath: visit see l iv - m ag az ine .co m/a d s to learn more
ReSource The Counselling Centre
E MP O W E R YO U RS E L F S E E K CO U N S E L L I N G
We offer Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents A sliding fee scale is in place to provide an affordable option for all clients. ReSource is a Multicultural organization that provides counselling in English, Cantonese, Putonghua, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi.
GOT 250 BUCKS IN YOUR POCKET? Put down that bag of organic quinoa grow your business with us instead. li v - maga z in e.com /a ds
Day time/Evening Appointments Call us 2523 8979 http://www.resourcecounselling.org 23/F, Li Dong Building, 9 Li Yuen Street East, Central, Hong Kong Serving the Community for 40 years A Member Agency of The Community Chest
W A N N A LI V ? Pick up a copy of Hong Kong’s wellness magazine at 150 locations citywide Le Meridien Cyberport
International Fitness Studio
HAPPY VALLEY/ WAN CHAI
Iyara
Feather & Bone
Mum Veggie+Coffee+Sweet
Iyara Hair Spa
Food for Life
Sense of Touch
Coffee Academics
Iyara Mid-Levels
Iyara
Stanley Wellness Centre
Lululemon
Just Green
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We are trying to offer our participants the best experience. We wanted to change the mentality of racing in Hong Kong and abroad from one of consumption - medals, race packs - to one of preservation. Our aim is to create a zero waste event, which we hope will translate to the homes of our participants, as well as other races both in Hong Kong and abroad. Our first official event was actually a beach clean in collaboration with HK Clean Up. It was fantastic, and we ended up winning an award for the most rubbish collected by a small business. Our second organised event was the Braemar Hill race in 2016, which was phenomenal. We had a great turnout. We’ve certainly improved on the efficiency and atmosphere of our events since, but it was a good start. Running is my full time thing now - I was an economist in a past life. We’re giving runners the chance to opt in and opt out of race items [such in the race pack]. If a participant chooses to opt out, the money we save is donated to charity. We have totally gone off plastic bottles and have partnered with Life Solutions, which specialises in water filtration, to keep our runners hydrated.
Most race organisers are generally conscious of the environment, and do a good job - on the whole - of sending out sweepers to ensure the trails are left as they were found. As many race starting points are accessible only by taxi, we’re working on providing shuttle buses and car pooling to get people to our races. I was at my least healthy at university. I'd lived a fairly competitive sporting existence before getting to university, and once I arrived I felt free. So I lived as such - free and pretty careless! Actually, I only got into running four or five years ago. You can run virtually anywhere. I love exploring too, and running is a quick way to do that. I love Happy Valley, Bowen Road and the three-kilometre loop around Victoria Peak for flat runs. I think they’re totally unique to Hong Kong. Happy Valley to me almost feels like the equivalent of, say, NYC’s Central Park or London’s Hyde Park. In terms of trail running, it’d have to be South Lantau; Chi Ma Wan or toward Sunset Peak on a cloudless day. I've always enjoyed the outdoors very much. I love cities too though, so Hong Kong provides a unique mix.
HOW I LIV
ETIENNE RODRIGUEZ The Green Race
Newly launched in 2016, The Green Race is Hong Kong’s very first eco-friendly trail run organiser. It aims to reduce consumption and raise awareness of the environment through a sustainable operational model. Liv speaks to co-founder Etienne Rodriguez about greening Hong Kong’s running trails.
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NEXT-LEVEL PERSONALISED MEALS An Oxford scientist (Dr Justin Gregory, Biorna Quantics), Hong Kong’s best fitness chef (Mike Boyle), and Hong Kong’s top nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner (Miles Price) have teamed-up to give you the future of personalised nutrition — delivered ready-to-eat direct to your door.
THE
UANTICSKITCHEN
INFORMED BY SCIENCE. YOUR FAST-TRACK TO OPTIMAL HEALTH Finest fresh organic ingredients Seasonally and ethically sourced foods High in anti-inflammatory foods & antioxidants Focus on key fatty-acids, enzymes & prebiotics All low glycemic index foods Gluten free, dairy free, soy free and artificial-everything-free Unique macronutrient-precision tailoring informed by your SIMPLY FIT™ DNA test Highest quality foods identified as optimal for your genotype and unique physiological you
The Quantics Kitchen is headed by Hong Kong’s top fitness focused chef Mike Boyle. Chef Mike is determined to enrapture Hong Kong with a whole new world of healthy eating, tailored to the specific requirements of the unique biological individual. Mike is also Head Chef of ALTO Bar & Grill.
MACRO-PRECISION
MEALS
By Biorna Quantics
BRAIN-POWER
PREBIOTIC BREAKFASTS
ANTIOXIDANT
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UANTICSBARS UANTICS
+852 2882-6239 | info@biorna-quantics.com | www.biorna-quantics.com