Liv Magazine May 2021

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of WELLNESS

Meet the fabulous ladies making Hong Kong a healthier, happier city

WIN: a home styling consultation and an eco-friendly Womanizer on page 13!

E E K M TA H O E

WOMEN

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FITN E SS NU T RIT ION WELLBEING HO ME ECO S PA

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MAY 2021 | l i v - m a g a z i n e . co m LIV MAGAZINE

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MAY 05 Editor’s Letter

LIV | NEWS

LIV | MORE

06 Wishlist

30 Recipe

Lovely things we want right now

08 Hot Right Now

New happenings on the wellness scene

10 Fresh Cuts

Mindful eating tips

14 Review

A wellness retreat with Happiness Factory

LIV | STORIES

Healthy hazelnut spread

32 Pamper

Mother's Day beauty packages, all month long

34 Home

36

Upcycled and secondhand furniture stores

36 Family

Live shows and entertainment for kids to enjoy

16 Women of Wellness

08

Meet some of the ladies on our inaugural Women of Wellness list

26 Slithering Heights

A peek inside the new book, "A Field Guide to the Snakes of Hong Kong"

10 32

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EDITOR’S LETTER

CELESTIAL SEASON

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

I

’ve always loved May. Probably because it’s when my birthday is, but also because of the longer days, the nice weather, and the public holidays inevitably spent lounging on a beach somewhere. Fun fact: the month of May is actually named after a goddess, Maia, who was a companion to Artemis, legendary badass Greek goddess of hunt and wilderness. Maia was also the mother of Hermes (the messenger of the Gods, not the luxury brand), and a midwife, which explains why her name has come to represent new life and abundance - a perfect symbol of spring.

So it’s fitting that for our May issue, we’ve decided to celebrate women.

Women who are creating new things, leading their community and striving for amazing things. Women who are inspiring others through bravery, resilience, and unbroken positivity. We asked our trusted readers to nominate their favourite and most deserving females who work in Hong Kong’s wellness industry, and based on your responses we’ve compiled our first ever Women of Wellness list!

I’m so proud of the exceptional ladies who made the list, and even prouder to bring you some of their individual stories, which you may read about in our cover story on p.16.

Everyone is hitting the trails more and more these days, and one enterprising nature nut decided to take on the self-imposed project of documenting every single one of Hong Kong’s 43 snakes species found in the wild. Wildlife photographer Adam Francis released his book A Field Guide to The Snakes of Hong Kong, and chatted with us about spotting snakes and his nearly three-year odyssey to completing the project. Read more about it on p.26.

We also have some pampering beauty packages for Mother’s Day (p.32) that are available all month long, a guide to embracing mindful eating (p.10) and some little-known resources to find upcycled furniture and home goods (or donate your own!) on p.34.

Have a great month, and may it be filled with strong, extraordinary women.

Zoe Belhomme gets back into social gatherings with kid-friendly live performances to look forward to on p.36.

Kate Springer knows all the best places in town to find upcycled home furniture on p.34.

Jo Robinson tries out a new wellness retreat at the Peninsula with Happiness Factory on p.14.

Happy Mother’s Day! Sarah Fung discovers pampering beauty deals available for you and Mum all month long on p.32.

ON THE COVER

Models: Trixie Velez, Solène Verrot, Tanya Pakhomova, Michelle Zhou McCulloch, Joyce Lau Photo: Ike Li

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 PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER ANSHU RIJHWANI DIGITAL & PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER TERRY HU EDITOR CARLA THOMAS SOCIAL MEDIA STACEY MARCELO ADMINISTRATOR JASMIN BLUNCK GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN CONTRIBUTORS KATE SPRINGER, ZOE BELHOMME PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING LIMITED, ROOM B, 3/F, DERRICK INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 49-51 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN ‘‘Liv Magazine’’ Copyright 2021 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.

5

Retail Therapy

WISHLIST

Here's what we're crushing on this month

BRUSH HOUR

FULL MOON PARTY

Honour the new moon with this Magic Moon Kit, which comes with Palo Santo, crystals, candles, a lavender foot soak, and a helpful guide to setting your intentions. $295 from omsa.world

ON THE CARDS

We all need to remember to love ourselves from time to time, and this deck of 64 self-love affirmation cards will give you the boost you need. $180 from On Pedder 6

Detangle and de-stress with this super luxurious hair kit from Parisian brush brand Bacha. Each brush has a hand-polished beech handle so it’s easier to hold and get your 100 daily brush strokes in. $390 at Lane Crawford

LIGHT TOUCH

Spruce up your patio, rooftop or dining room table just in time for the summer season, with a classic marble and stainless steel candle holder that adds a touch of elegance to a space. $1,290 from Indigo Living

Retail Therapy

BACK TO THE GRIND

Love coffee and wanna let the world know?

Backpack brand Herschel has collaborated with Starbucks to produce sustainable (logo-branded) rucksacks made entirely from recycled plastics and coffee grounds. $680 at Starbucks outlets citywide

MAT FINISH

This cutting-edge yoga mat uses a 3D dropletinspired textured design to guide yogis with their body positioning during practice, as well as improving grip and stability. Science! $1,080 from lululemon.com.hk

BLOOMING LOVELY

It may be Mother’s Day, but you can treat yourself to a vase of beautiful blooms all year round.

Prices start at $550 from Lover Florals

ROOT PROBLEM

The key to luscious locks starts with a healthy scalp! This nourishing masque is loaded with coconut oil, shea butter and seaweed extract, plus added friendly bacteria that balance your scalp’s sebum levels. $430 from Aveda 7

Cool Stuff

HOT RIGHT NOW With Jo Robinson

FIND YOUR IKIGAI

Having established their first studio in TST in 2019, Ikigai has opened its second location in the heart of Central. With its name referring to the Japanese concept meaning “a reason for being,” they offer a range of yoga, meditation and movement-based classes.

New classes exclusive to the Central studio include aerial yoga, gymnastic rings and yoga wheel sessions, plus they’ll be hosting some special classes including yoga with a live DJ set. Unlike most yoga studios, there are no mirrors in Ikigai’s practice rooms, encouraging an inward connection and a unique, personal yoga experience.

7/F, On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan St., Central, ikigai.hk

GET THIS BREAD

Doing their part to help fight food waste in Hong Kong, Breadline uses the power of technology to directly connect volunteers, bakeries and those in need. It’s super simple: at the end of each day, volunteers can open the Breadline app to see where they can pick up leftover bread that won’t be fresh enough for the next day’s customers. After collecting these perfectly edible loaves, they distribute them to NGOs across the city. Real-time updates are built into the app to help volunteers avoid empty runs and only head to where there is most bread left. We heart Breadline for breathing new life into old yet-justas-delicious bread! hkfoodworks.com/breadline/ 8

Cool Stuff

GOING UP Reinvention

PADDLE POWER

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to burn 5,000 calories a day, four Hong Kong rugby players have the answer: rowing across the Atlantic! The Talisker Atlantic Whiskey Challenge is a 3,000-mile race from the Canary Islands to Antigua, and Valley RFC teammates will be taking on the challenge in December to raise money for Childfund Pass it Back, a charity program that uses tag rugby to teach children a range of life skills. Under the team name East Rows West, the lads will be traversing an ocean which at its deepest is more than five miles deep - in a rowing boat, no less! You can follow their training journey via their IG page @eastrowswest, and head on over to their website to make a worthwhile donation.

Good luck, team! eastrowswest.com

BON APP

Calling all dessert lovers! Foodie app Calioo has officially launched in Hong Kong, making breads, cakes and desserts (and more!) available at the touch of a button. Fresh off a buzzing threeday pop-up shop in Central last month, this new local tech startup connects you with some of Hong Kong’s best bakers and independent chefs, allowing you to explore new, unique eats and support small businesses at the same time.

Most chefs work on a pre-order basis, meaning everything is super fresh and can be tailored to any dietary preferences. Full disclaimer: Liv Magazine accepts no responsibility for how many cookies are purchased and consumed after reading this.

After a tough year, it’s heartening to see new entrepreneurs stepping up and launching their businesses.

Local Wellness Retreats We forecast a boom in wellness retreats right here in the city as we face another wet, hot Hong Kong summer.

Social Distancing Logic So we can squash up against a stranger’s armpit on the MTR, but we can’t sit five people at a restaurant.

What gives?

?

Office Wear Between working from home, Zoom calls and the official start of a sweltering summer, is ANYONE wearing a suit and tie right now?

calioo.hk A lover of all things wellness, Jo is an NASM-certified personal trainer and Liv’s Director of Partnerships. She loves nothing more than discovering the latest wellness news in Hong Kong. Got a tip? Email jo@liv.media

GOING DOWN 9

Dining

MINDFUL EATING

Make the most of meal-time with mindful eating tricks that cultivate a deeper appreciation of food, as well as a better understanding of yourself. By Carla Thomas

W

e’ve all heard of mindfulness, the practice of bringing awareness to the present moment through observation of our actions, thoughts and feelings. Mindful eating applies the same principles, only towards the foods we eat. So, instead of mindlessly inhaling a ready-meal while you binge a Netflix show or answer work emails, we can make better food choices, enjoy our meals more, and tune in to ourselves to find out what our bodies actually need.

Disclaimer: Doing anything mindfully, by definition, takes a lot more time, so it’s not practical for everyone (or anyone really) to apply it to every morsel of food or sip of water we ingest. But a little bit of mindfulness here and there when it comes to your diet can go a long way, with myriad benefits which range from better digestion and fewer cravings, to stress reduction and a better relationship with food. Here are five ways for you to gradually introduce mindful eating into your daily routine.

1. KEEP A MINDFUL KITCHEN Open your fridge or pantry, and take stock of what you’ve got on hand. If anything has been sitting around, unwanted and taking up space, clear it out and replace it with something fresh that inspires you! We give you full permission to replace that stale stack of crackers that hasn’t been touched since 2017 with a delicious, pleasing-tothe-eye pineapple instead.

TRY THIS: Transfer your pantry essentials into coordinated clear containers. You can see what you’ve got clearly AND it makes your kitchen more appealing.

2. TUNE INTO YOUR FOOD PREP If you normally play podcasts or music as you cook, try turning everything off and tuning into what you’re doing.

Pay attention to the colours, the smells, and the sensations of your hands as you prepare everything. Think about where your food came from, and give yourself some space to feel gratitude. Even something as simple as an apple took years in the making to produce, so take a moment to marvel at how amazing that is before you take that first bite.

TRY THIS: Rather than follow a recipe, try to cook something using your instincts. See how well you do!

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Dining

3. CREATE A MEALTIME RITUAL Everyone’s guilty of curling up on the couch to eat in front of the television or computer screen. It’s fine to veg out sometimes, but the honest truth is that food tastes better when you’re actually focusing on it - that’s one of the reasons why restaurant meals taste so much better! (That, and butter... Copious amounts of butter.)

Invest in some nice tableware, set the table, and leave your phone in a different room so you can really focus on your plate.

FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you

TRY THIS: Try to implement a no-electronics rule at dinnertime, even if you can’t manage it for breakfast and lunch.

4. SAVOUR EVERY LAST BITE This may be the most time-consuming, and possibly the most difficult to put into action, but it’s worth it! Take smaller bites than you normally would, and chew at least 20 times before you swallow.

Research shows that food tastes better when you chew it longer, thanks to an increased breakdown from digestive enzymes in your mouth. This also means that you’ll digest it better once you do swallow, so less bloating and gas post-meal, too.

TRY THIS: Hop onto YouTube and search for an eating meditation.

Give it a go!

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD SHOP OPENS IN K-TOWN M&C Asia is a premium wholesale brand that supplies some of Hong Kong’s top hotels and restaurants with high-quality, sustainable seafood. They just launched a new sub-brand, Seafood Society, catering to home cooks keen on getting their hands on restaurant-quality sustainable seafood, without having to buy in bulk! All of Seafood Society’s products are sourced from small-scale European fisheries certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), as well as traceable and seasonal. Check out the goods at their new Kennedy Town showroom. 17/F, Unit E, Kwong Ga Factory Building, 64 Victoria Rd., Kennedy Town

CONFUSION PLANT-BASED KITCHEN CLOSES

5. ASK YOURSELF ‘WHY AM I EATING?’ Are you really hungry? Or could it just be boredom or stress? Food is a comfort for many, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, mindful eating asks us to notice our cravings, and what’s driving them. People’s relationships with food are often complicated, so challenge yourself to explore how you’re feeling when you catch yourself mindlessly snacking or eating. You don’t even necessarily have to stop what you’re doing - just notice without judgment.

TRY THIS: If you find youself reaching for that chocolate biscuit, grab a drink of water and wait five minutes instead. If the craving is still there, you can decide whether it’s the right time to indulge.

Pour one out for the plant-based homies.

One of our fave vegan dining options in the city closed its doors at the end of March, as owner Lisa Terauchi (and one-time Liv cover model) embarks on a new journey abroad with her family. We’re already missing the hedgehog mushroom karage! If you’re after a new vegan hotspot in the area, you could always try nearby 404plant, a plant-based bagel cafe also serving homemade ice cream, milkshakes, coffee and cocktails. G/F, 109 Jervois St., Sheung Wan 11

Dining

CHEAT DAY

Because life’s too short to always order the salad

TERRA FIRMA There was a collective cry of anguish across Hong Kong when The Upper House closed the doors to its much-loved flagship restaurant, Cafe Gray Deluxe, at the end of last year.

But after a breakneck three-month renovation, the hotly-anticipated Salisterra has now opened up in its former space. Guided by Michelin-starred, London-based chef Jun Tanaka, this new Mediterranean concept focuses on freshness and sustainability, with a petite but perfectly formed menu of large and small plates that are perfect for sharing. While we loved the freshly made pasta dishes, including the duck agnolotti with consomme and a fresh egg yolk, the veggies are far from an afterthought, and many plant-based dishes stood out as our faves. Don’t miss the humble yet satisfying panzanella with sourdough croutons and juicy tomatoes, or the insanely moreish tahini cabbage. And while they’re hardly healthy, the FOMO potatoes - Hasselback and basted six times with clarified butter - definitely live up to their name. And in case you were worried about whether The Upper House’s famed afternoon tea is still on offer - rest assured that it is and that we can’t wait to check it out.

49/F, The Upper House, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 3968-1106, salisterra.thehousecollective.com

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Reviews

TEST-DRIVE Liv checks out the newest workouts and wellness trends

RETREAT

Happiness Factory Retreat The Buzz: With travel restrictions still in full swing, local wellness retreats are becoming more of a go-to for Hongkongers looking to reset and destress. We checked out a weekend retreat run by The Happiness Factory, an organisation that aims to boost our collective wellbeing through talks, events and retreats. The retreat took place at The Peninsula.

The Retreat: We kicked off at 11am on Saturday with a twohour breathwork and heart opening yoga class. After this, we got to know the other retreat-goers with ice-breakers, and learned more about the weekend’s programme. There were only eight people on the retreat to ensure both COVIDcompliance and a more peaceful atmosphere.

The remainder of Saturday’s programming included an Inside Flow class - think vinyasa yoga infused with dance and martial arts, set to the beat of music. This unique offering was challenging, calming and empowering all at once. To round off Saturday we were treated to a poolside sound healing gong bath plus a short CBD workshop (samples included), to set us up for a solid night’s rest.

The next morning, we woke up to a sunrise vinyasa yoga class on the sun deck overlooking Victoria Harbour, followed by a leisurely breakfast. The retreat finished with a Wim Hof Method breathwork and ice bath session in which we were expertly guided through a two-hour workshop on 14

all things breathing - it’s harder than you think! We then put this training into action with an ice bath. To wrap up the weekend, we got to enjoy a late checkout, and made full use of the Peninsula’s pool and sun terrace.

Rather than being a detox retreat, The Happiness Factory’s mission is to help people to “Eat Happy, Move Happy, Sleep Happy and Feel Happy.” So don’t come expecting a cleanse! The food that was served for lunch and dinner on the Saturday consisted of proteins, veggies and healthy carbs, but also included The Peninsula’s famous scones with generous servings of clotted cream and jam.

The Verdict: We loved feeling as if we had escaped the craziness of Hong Kong city life, even if just for a weekend.

Although we were in the heart of TST, we felt a world away from the streets below and managed to switch off from our day-to-day. If you can splurge, we reckon it’s worth staying the Friday night also (The Happiness Factory guests have preferential room rates!). We left feeling rested and recharged, with a bunch of knowledge and tools to bring some Zen into our daily lives.

Cost: $5,888 for single occupancy / $8,888 for shared occupancy for one night and all workshops. $3,500 for just workshops. Next retreat is coming in June. hf@perfectlybalanced.org

WOMEN

of WELLNESS

Cover Story

16

I

n the years since we launched Liv Magazine, we’ve been amazed by the continuing evolution of Hong Kong’s wellness industry.

Through protests, pandemics and beyond, the resilience of the industry shows that more people than ever are waking up to the importance of wellbeing in our everyday lives.

For this, we have women to thank. Female founders, specialists and entrepreneurs form the backbone of this city’s wellness scene, and if it weren’t for their inspirational messages, grit and bravery, Hong Kong’s wellness landscape would be very different.

In tribute to these amazing ladies, we asked our community to nominate who they think should be named Hong Kong’s Women of Wellness. We were bowled over by the response - more than 1,800 nominations in the space of 10 days - and from there we read through every nomination to come up with a final list of 100 women who have been recognised by their peers in the community as leaders in wellbeing.

Meet some of these women in our special Women of Wellness cover story, and discover the full list at liv-magazine.com.

Founder and Director of Defin8 Fitness

Tell us about yourself!

I wear many hats. I’m a wife, mom, entrepreneur, and a Pilates and fitness trainer. I help people find their inner physical and mental strength through exercise. That’s why at Defin8 Fitness, I try to offer the best of Pilates and fitness under one roof, whether that’s functional, flexibility, strength, weight loss or rehabilitation. We’re very passionate about teaching people to move their bodies intelligently and functionally with a purpose.

What was it like to start your own fitness studio?

It was both hard and scary to start my own studio, but I’m fortunate that I had people who believed in me and pushed me to take the leap. Five years ago when I started, I had to rent and hop from one studio to another with my suitcase of mats and weights. A few months later, I decided to take a risk and I rented our first space.

Back then, I had to do literally everything by myself, from administration to teaching to cleaning up. I didn’t have any business background, so I had to learn along the way. My husband Leo was a huge support, and guided me through how to manage the business. Now when I look at how much we’ve grown, it’s all worth it and I have no regrets. Our studio has two floors, a fully equipped Pilates facility, and a team of wonderful trainers and staff.

TRIXIE VELEZ

TRIXIE VELEZ,

THE WELLFLUENCER

Cover Story

teaching online classes and PTs – we even started our own YouTube Channel! I learned to see more opportunities, even in the middle of a pandemic, and I’m so much more grateful with what I have in the moment now.

You’ve got quite a loyal following among HK’s fitness community, why do you think that is?

I’m very humbled and honoured to hear that, actually! To be honest, I just try to be myself, and radiate good energy and positive vibes. Maybe it’s that, paired with a genuine connection, and of course, the results we get for clients! I really value each and every person that steps into my studio, and I make sure that they are seen and feel like they’re part of our community. I want people to think of fitness as a part of their life, rather than something short-term. Most importantly, I want to help people achieve their goals and dreams safely.

What’s something that you’ve learned during COVID? There are some things that we cannot control, so just breathe, let go and let it be. We just have to do our best to make the situation better. When the studios were closed multiple times, we either trained outdoors or became more innovative, by

What are three words that describe your personal philosophy to fitness and wellbeing?

BALANCE, GRATITUDE and HAPPINESS 17

Managing Director of EstheClinic Hong Kong

Tell us about yourself!

After a Masters in Law, I started working with a big advertising firm in France. I soon found out I wasn’t meant to be in an office all day. In 2019, my partner and I decided to bring his family business to Hong Kong! EstheClinic is a new generation of beauty clinics that uses ground-breaking technologies to provide pain-free, non-invasive and long-lasting aesthetic treatments like permanent hair removal, anti-ageing, body shaping and slimming, even hair loss... We basically do everything from top to toe! Our mission is to give everyone the opportunity to achieve their desired skin and body goals.

You moved to Hong Kong from France to start your business - what was that experience like?

I love to discover new places (I’m really looking forward to being able to travel again!), so coming to a vibrant city like Hong Kong was already an experience. But it took a much broader scope when we launched EstheClinic. We opened our Central location in August 2019 - definitely not the best time to start a new business! It’s been challenging, but so rewarding that we are actually doing it all over again with a second branch in Sai Ying Pun this May.

SOLÈNE VERROT

SOLÈNE VERROT

THE SKINCARE & BEAUTY HERO

Cover Story

What’s something that you’ve learned during COVID? The pandemic has given us all a new perspective on life... For everyone in the world, it was such a strange experience. No one was ready for it.

Personally, I would say the first thing I learned is that every day is important; don’t postpone what’s important to you, and make the most out of every moment.

Also, witnessing the level of solidarity in difficult times is so heartwarming. At EstheClinic, we had to close for almost five months due to government regulations, and yet we managed to keep all our clients and staff. We always try to be as understanding and fair as possible in life, and I feel like everyone gave that back to us during this difficult time.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a business?

The first thing is to just start! Easy to say, but actually, I feel there can be a lot of confusion about how to start, where to begin, who to work with - so many questions that it can paralyze you. Start by tackling one, and without even noticing it, you’ve already made the biggest step.

From there, plan as much as possible. It won’t always go the way you thought it would, but anticipation is definitely an ally. See your obstacles as opportunities; that will always help you, either by finding new ways of doing things or simply by gaining knowledge and confidence to go further and do greater things.

What’s the best part of your job?

As a family business, we have access to our own machines and design our own protocols. That gives us the flexibility to always look for better, more effective aesthetic treatments. We are able to constantly develop, and when we find more advanced ways to give our clients the results they’re after, the experience is very exciting for me. Every time we reach our goals at EstheClinic, it’s one of the best rewards we can have. I am also grateful to have an amazing team who are very involved and enthusiastic, and they are always doing everything to give the highest level of service to our lovely clients. And of course, glowing feedback from satisfied customers is what makes me the happiest.

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Founder and Clinic Director of UP!health

Tell us about yourself!

I am a chiropractor and I own a Central-based chiropractic and multidisciplinary clinic. I am passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives, whether that’s helping someone with their spinal health as their chiropractor, growing as a healthcare business to serve the community, collaborating with fellow small business owners, or being a mentor to younger practitioners. I want to help others and to know that I have made a difference to this person’s world today.

What’s the best part about working in pregnancy chiropractic care?

I’m passionate about maternity and pediatric care.

Pregnancy is such a special period for a woman and her family, so knowing that I am able to help, empower and educate in this phase of someone’s life is extremely rewarding. Since becoming a mother myself, my passion for providing support for pre- and post-natal women has multiplied.

I understand how hard the transition into parenthood is, and I feel privileged to have the skill sets to improve my patients’ physical health and the opportunity to help in their life journey.

DR MICHELLE ZHOU MCCULLOCH

DR. MICHELLE ZHOU MCCULLOCH

THE WELLNESS INNOVATOR

Cover Story

What’s something that you’ve learned during COVID? Gratitude. It has been a trying year for every person, every parent, every business... but at the end of the day, if we can’t look at what we have and be grateful for it, then nothing would ever matter. And the pandemic has taught me that.

What’s something you do for yourself everyday to prioritise your wellness?

I get adjusted every two weeks (yes, chiropractors need help with their spines too!). I listen to my daughter as she shares all of her big ideas about the world from her perspective (she likes to say, “Mummy, I have a-deer!”) and I hug my baby boy.

I love to squeeze in some monthly pampering like a manicure or a facial, I reward myself with a big iced coffee mid-morning if everything is going well at work. I like to go for a walk, and play with my dog. I believe in finding the joy in everyday efforts, however big or small, and that’s what wellness is to me.

What would you say has been your proudest achievement so far?

My proudest achievement is being a mother to my two amazing children, and to co-parent with the love of my life. I am also proud to own a business that is thriving and making a positive impact in the world everyday. I am proud of my staff members for showing up and being their best selves. Finally, I am proud of me for being me and for where I got myself to in life today.

“I believe in finding the joy in everyday efforts, no matter how big or small. That’s what wellness is to me.”

19

Founder of My Perfect Body

Tell us about yourself!

I am the founder and owner of My Perfect Body, a beauty clinic in Central, and I’ve been in the beauty industry since 2013. One area that I’m passionate about is self-development and self-improvement.

I’m always looking to challenge myself and learn new things. That’s one reason I enjoy working in customer service; I’ve learned great communication, listening and problem-solving skills. These have helped me in my day-to-day work, but also in my personal life.

Why did you decide to get into the beauty industry?

I have dreamed of owning my own business for as long as I can remember. Before I opened my spa, I worked as a fashion model for over 10 years. I realised that my career would eventually come to an end (models retire early) and I wanted to try something new, but still related to fashion. I decided that the beauty industry would suit me. I often had to do different beauty treatments over the course of my fashion career, because there’s an expectation that models have a “flawless” look. I also studied chemistry at university, which gave me an interest in knowing what was going into all these different beauty products.

What’s your best advice for balancing family with running a business?

To be honest, this was my biggest challenge! At the beginning of my entrepreneurial career, I spent most of my time working. It actually took me a few years to find the right balance, before I realised that I should work smarter, not harder. Now I know that balance doesn’t create itself - you have to put effort into it. I found ways to automate parts of my daily business admin, and that was key for me. Also, I set a boundary between family and work; when I’m at home, my family gets my full attention first. On the weekends, I take time to do things for myself and ensure that I regenerate before the work week starts again.

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TANYA PAKHOMOVA

TANYA PAKHOMOVA

THE GLAM GURU

Cover Story

What’s it like running a spa?

Take us through a typical day!

I try to get an early start, waking up at around 7AM. Morning is my favourite part of the day, so I tackle my most important task first thing, when I’m still full of energy and my mind is fresh. I spend the morning doing training or staff meetings, then I often have a business lunch in Central. After lunch I head back to the spa, or meet with potential business associates over a coffee.

In the late afternoon, I squeeze in some physical activity, either a session with my personal trainer or a yoga class. Then, I’m back at the office to check how everything is going, talk with staff, and create tasks for tomorrow. Once I’ve gone home, spent some quality time with my family, and the kids are in bed, I sometimes work in the evening. It’s when I find I’m the most productive for new projects that require a bit of innovation and creativity. I always try to get a good night’s sleep, so I can start fresh the next day.

You’ve got a background in fashion, did that prepare you at all for starting your own beauty business?

Absolutely! Modeling isn’t just about having a pretty face. If you want to succeed in fashion, you have to be patient and hardworking - same as in the beauty industry. It pushes you to develop a good attitude towards everything. Through modeling, I had to develop a thick skin and learn how to accept rejection without taking it personally. And of course, it gave me financial independence and the opportunity to open my own business!

Founder of NakedLab - Organic BambooSilk bedding

Tell us about yourself!

I’m the founder of NakedLab. Actually, I like to say I’m co-founder with my daughter Pia, who is the reason why I started my business in the first place!

When she was two months old, she had serious eczema, and I started to focus more on skin and sleep health as a result. I struggled as a new mother shopping for quality bedding that wouldn’t also break the bank. I found most of the options on the market were overwhelming and unreliable. I started to do some research into how the bedding industry worked, and discovered it was actually very ambiguous and antiquated. This personal frustration I had on behalf of my daughter initiated the beginning of our bedding company, NakedLab.

What did you do before you became an entrepreneur?

I was, and still am, an architect. I think the experience that I gained from training to be an architect really inspired me to become a great entrepreneur. An architect has to have a creative mind, be a problem-solver, be hardworking...

I think these are key to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Most importantly, architects are highly affected by our environments. I can see, feel and understand not just in terms of relationships with objects and space, but also relationships with people. I think that’s actually the source of my real passion in life, which is designing and creating homes for people.

JOYCE LAU

JOYCE LAU

THE SLEEP WHISPERER

Cover Story

Was it challenging to launch a company as a new mum?

Naked Lab has just turned three years old and it has certainly been a turbulent past few months for me after having my second child. But I think passion is everything. I have to admit that sometimes it becomes overwhelming, so I try to keep it simple and take small and steady steps. I had a problem and I wanted a solution. My goal is to have honest and affordable products that don’t compromise on quality. I’ve given myself a very simple goal and I stuck with it.

What’s your sleep ritual?

I like to find ways to calm and clear the mind to set myself up for a good night of sleep.

My perfect sleep ritual includes a few things: 1: I look at my calendar and recap/plan out what I need to do the next day, like preparing my to-do list, so that when I’m awake I’m ready to tackle the day!

2: I lie on my bed and do a full-body scan to see where I have stressed or tired points.

3: And then I’ll spend five minutes doing a daily gratitude practice after I’ve done my body scan, once I’m feeling really relaxed.

Sleep is so big in wellness right now - why do you think that is?

It’s not just sleep, I actually believe “clean” sleeping is the next big wellness trend! These days, people are all about clean eating and clean beauty, but I believe that clean sleeping is at the core of all of those.

“I have to admit that sometimes it becomes overwhelming, so I try to keep it simple, and take small, steady steps.”

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Cover Story

One of your major focuses is gut health. Tell us more.

TRICIA YAP Limitless Health

By improving gut health and blood sugar management, you improve so much: metabolism, digestion, inflammation, immune system, brain performance, ability to detoxify, mood and cravings. Most people believe that they are what they eat or that calories need to be counted all the time. What they don’t realise is that this sometimes doesn’t hold true: you are not what you eat but you are what you absorb. By focusing on improving gut health and balancing blood sugar, these are really the small hinges that can swing big doors to your health and physique.

You’re so well known on the wellness scene. What are some important lessons you’ve learned on your journey?

people, or even formalised as a mentor/ mentee relationship, but you need to always surround yourself by those who can help you grow. Second: don’t always believe fitness social media and marketing. Looks are not a qualification so do your background checks.

If someone is selling a quick fix or extreme diet, it will likely cost your health. I learnt this the hard way.

What was your “I’ve made it” moment?

I’ve hardly made it - I’m only halfway on what I want to accomplish! I would love to be one of the first Asian female strength and nutrition coaches to travel the world and help effect a change against extreme diet culture on an international stage.

First: every business owner needs a mentor.

It doesn’t need to be the same person or

You’re a full-time lawyer by day what sparked you to also work in the health and wellness industry?

BETH WRIGHT Founder, B Fit the Wright Way

I have always had a passion for sport and fitness. When I went to university, I qualified as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor and worked in the university gym to earn some pocket money. I coached all throughout uni and law school, and continued when I started work in London.

When I moved to Hong Kong, the pace was even faster, and the stress higher… at one point my health was at rock bottom. I gained 20 pounds, couldn’t sleep and was constantly stressed. I finally decided to put my “lawyer” hat on and researched everything I could around health, how the body worked and how you could sustainably lose and maintain a healthy weight.

Tell us what you do for your clients.

I work one-on-one with clients to reach their health and wellness goals. Every goal is different so every journey is different, and I work with each person individually to help get them to 22

where they want to be.

I do this by getting to know my clients: their lifestyles, their family, their strengths and weaknesses… then I can truly tailor their fitness, lifestyle and nutrition plan.

Do you have a mantra or an inspirational quote to help motivate yourself?

“You are only ever one healthy decision away from being back on track.”

What advice would you give to someone thinking about a new career in coaching?

Coaching is the BEST job in the world. You have this incredible opportunity to educate, to encourage, and to help people become the very healthiest and happiest versions of themselves.

That said, to be a good coach you have to be willing keep on growing and learning so you can truly help your clients.

Cover Story

What is your mission with Flo Jewellery?

FLORA CHAN Flo Jewellery

My mission is three-fold: First, to inspire people to appreciate life and realise their infinite potential, to seek positive transformation within, and to manifest their dream life.

Second, to empower the community with good energy. Flo Jewellery is functional; the symbolic design is meant to positively influence people‘s actions, thoughts and emotions. And third, to enlighten, by opening up people’s hearts and minds to live a happier life and become a better version of themselves.

conscious of my emotional and physical wellbeing and reminds me to believe in myself, embrace my femininity and stay grounded when I’m juggling different roles in my life.

What are some new things you’re working on?

I’m excited to announce that we are launching our studio, The FLO, in May to offer a variety of workshops to raise consciousness about wellness. I also hope to build a community by providing more value-added consultation services to help individuals navigate life changes.

What is your favourite piece in your collection, and why?

My all-time favourite is definitely the Chakra Necklace collection. It allows me to be more

What do you think is missing in the conversation around mental health in Hong Kong?

DR. SHARMEEN SHROFF Central Minds

We need to make mental health a priority first and foremost. Once we have done this, we can start to tackle accessibility and affordability of treatment. Progress in mental health cannot be made without tackling the issues of stigma – there is no vaccine for our mental health and we now need to work together to flatten the mental health curve. If there’s any silver lining to the pandemic, it’s that it has dramatically reduced shame and stigma around mental health; talking about mental health is increasingly becoming a new norm.

Have you noticed a difference in the mental health situation in Hong Kong since the pandemic started?

The pandemic came hot on the heels of the civil unrest in Hong Kong, so we have been struggling with challenges to our mental health for more than just a year. In both situations, people have been afraid to go out, have been isolating at home and their physical and mental safety has

been compromised. What we are seeing is an increase in stress levels, anxiety and depression.

I imagine we will be seeing the effects of the pandemic on our mental health for years to come.

What advice would you give to someone who would like to give therapy a try, but doesn’t know how it can help them?

One of the biggest misconceptions about therapy is that it’s only intended to treat serious mental illness. However, it’s actually completely the opposite. Therapy can help with nearly every aspect of life, from day-to-day worries to complex psychological conditions.

If you’re thinking about therapy, reach out to a few different therapists and request a short phone conversation. All therapists should offer a brief phone call at no cost to answer any questions you may have and determine if they are the right fit for you.

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Cover Story

Sense of Touch is Hong Kong’s first premium day spa group. What’s the secret to its longevity?

DION LEUNG Managing Director, Sense of Touch

Quality service with a personal touch. Although we’ve grown a lot since opening in 2002, we are proud to still be known for our excellent customer service, friendly environment and highly qualified therapists, many of whom have been with us since the beginning. And of course our loyal customers, at the heart of what we do, who we have to thank for their support through the years.

How have you managed to navigate the past 12 months, which has seen many independent spas close?

It hasn’t been easy… we had to close for almost five months in 2020. However we managed to rise to the challenge by diversifying. We launched an online store to keep our customers supplied with the niche brands we carry, which

When were you at your least healthy, and what did you do to change it?

LEERON ZION HolisticLee Happy

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The line between my healthiest and unhealthiest was very a very fine one. When I was studying at university abroad, I was entirely gluten-, dairy-, sugar-, soy-, and alcohol-free. I exercised with a personal trainer for an hour every day and always squeezed in an extra run. I was at the prime of my health… or so I thought. Seemingly overnight, I could no longer digest anything. I was crippled with unbearable abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort. I had bad acid reflux, terrible anxiety and regular panic attacks.

Despite countless doctor visits, my condition persisted without any improvement.

What led you to begin a career as a holistic nutritionist?

I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I completed my certification in holistic health & wellness coaching with an additional specialisation course in gut health & stress management. Once I began to apply the

are sustainably made, clinically sophisticated, and hard to find elsewhere.

How do you keep bringing loyal customers back to your spas after so many years?

By doing right by our customers. For example, after the political unrest, we gave $500 spending credit to our top 1,000 customers to thank them for their loyalty. This small gesture showed our clients that we really appreciate them. We’re stable, reliable and not going anywhere. I also learned that when you properly invest in your people, products and services - when you don’t try to cut corners but instead really put your heart into what you’re doing - it will be appreciated and come back to you many times over.

principles that I learned in my course, my health bounced back rapidly. More recently, I decided to further my education with a postgraduate degree in human nutrition from Deakin University.

What’s the most common problem that your clients come to you for advice on?

Today, as the universe would have it, a majority of my clients and students (who attend my healthy cooking courses) have concerns over tummy aches, bloating, acid reflux and IBS, as well as, anxiety, stress and burnout. Many of these clients don’t know that such symptoms not only come hand-in-hand, but also have a bi-directional impact.

In my practice, I provide empowering knowledge as well as actionable steps with regards to diet and stress management that give the client physical, mental and emotional relief.

Sponsored Feature

How Green is Your Valley?

Successfully crowdfunded within 48 hours, Womanizer’s new eco-friendly toy, the Premium Eco, is set to prove that pleasure needn’t cost the earth.

B

illed as the world’s first eco-friendly sex toy, Womanizer has just launched an eco-friendly interpretation of its bestselling Pleasure Air clitoral stimulator. Yes, really!

Fully recyclable and biodegradable, the Premium Eco hit the shelves just in time for World Earth Day, and is packed with green features that make it a far more planetfriendly choice compared to regular sex toys.

CONSUMER DEMAND At the end of March, Womanizer launched a global crowdfunding campaign, with a goal of USD20,000, as proof of consumer demand for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional sex toys. The response was phenomenal and the product was fully funded within 48 hours. This proved to WOW Tech, Womanizer’s parent company, that the world was more than ready for an eco-friendly vibrator.

The entire amount raised was then donated to One Tree Planted, an NGO that promotes global reforestation, and product development began.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE The Premium Eco represents Womanizer’s commitment to becoming a greener company. “The sexual wellness industry has grown in recent years and the products are gaining more and more social acceptance,” says Johanna Rief, Head of Sexual Empowerment at Womanizer. “But, as in many other industries, environmental issues are omnipresent and long-term solutions need to be found.

Premium Eco is the first of many steps for Womanizer to make us more sustainable as a company.”

The Premium Eco retails for $1,560 and is available on HKTVMall.

GREEN SCREAM TECHNOLOGY Here’s how the Premium Eco checks all our low-waste boxes!

• Made from Biolene, a bioplastic made from corn starch, making it biodegradable and recyclable • Replacable and rechargeable battery, which extends the product’s lifespan • Modular design means it can be taken apart and components can be properly disposed of • 100% plastic-free FSC packaging and organic cotton storage pouch • Shorter charging cable • Tree planted for every Premium Eco sold

SNAKES

SNAKES ON A

PAGE

Snakes have been getting a bad rap since biblical times but there’s no need to get hiss-terical the next time you spot one! One local serpent enthusiast and wildlife photographer, Adam Francis, set out on a mission to document all 43 species of Hong Kong’s snakes. He recently published “A Field Guide to the Snakes of Hong Kong”, and answered our most pressssing questions about snakes.

Bamboo pit viper

Wolf snake 26

SNAKES

Mountain pit viper

Q What is it about snakes that you find so interesting?

I would say I’m a wildlife generalist, but I’ve always enjoyed just slightly more obscure animals, and snakes certainly fall into that category. From a photography standpoint, I find that they can actually be pretty spectacular.

Q What inspired you to start this project?

There hadn’t been an update to any kind of field guide for snakes in Hong Kong for quite some time.

So one of the first things I did was set up a website, HongKongSnakeID.com, and made it a selfimposed project that I thought would be helpful for the public to have.

Of course, over the past year or so there’s been a lot more people getting out on the trails. I thought a book that was visually engaging with lots of nice photographs and well-considered layouts would be fun from an educational and practical standpoint. I thought it would be helpful for hikers, snake lovers and overall naturalists. Maybe it will even inspire some people that were afraid of snakes to get over their fear, or encourage people that didn’t really care about them to take more interest - all of that helps in some small way on the conservation front.

Q What’s the best place to spot snakes?

Here’s the reason why getting the book is fun for people, because the answer to that is: quite literally, everywhere! In Mid-Levels, Lantau Island, the New Territories - I haven’t been anywhere in Hong Kong yet where I haven’t seen a snake.

I’ve even got friends who live in the middle of downtown, and they’ve found one of the smallest species - called blind snakes - that can live in flower pots.

Hong Kong is one of these places where it’s suitable just about everywhere. There are even species that have adapted to being around more built-up areas. For instance, the harmless common wolf snake is great at climbing vertical concrete walls. It’s more about paying attention, rather than going to any one specific spot to find them.

Q Do you have a favourite snake?

Every time I photograph one and I like the picture, it becomes my favourite! It depends, the northern reed snake is actually one that I have yet to find, but it’s a really interesting species.

It lives underground, and has a very inoffensive appearance, with a rounded head and very innocent-looking eyes.

I also really like the greater green snake. There 27

SNAKES

a. Bamboo pit viper b. Mountain pit viper c. Chinese slug snake d. King cobra

a.

A Field Guide to the Snakes of Hong Kong ($280) can be ordered at hongkongsnakeid.com.

d.

c.

are only two green snake species in Hong Kong: one is the greater green, which is quite common, and the other is the bamboo pit viper, which is venomous. People mistake the greater green for the bamboo pit viper, with all kinds of outcomes. But the greater green snake is diurnal, so that one only comes out during the day. They’re a really gentle species with big eyes, because a diurnal snake uses their eyes much more than nocturnal ones. It’s a common snake in Hong Kong, and one that we consider a pseudo-ambassador for our website.

Q How did you go about photographing and documenting all 43 species in the wild?

It’s a lot of time in the field. I’d be out sometimes five nights a week, sometimes early in the morning as well. There’s no easy way to do it, it’s just putting the hours into getting out there and searching.

You’ve got to go look, and know which species you’re looking for. Some of them you can find almost anywhere, like bamboo pit vipers. With those, you’ve got a good chance of seeing one where there’s jungle and no streetlights.

Q How long did it take you to finish the project?

I got the majority of the species done in the first year, and then it took about another year and a

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half to get the rarer ones. I found all of them except the banded stream snake and the northern reed snake, but luckily a friend of mine was willing to contribute his photos to the book for those two species. So it was a quick run-up at the beginning, and then a slow trickle at the end - about two and a half years of work.

Q What advice would you give to anyone encountering a snake in the wild?

Like with most wildlife, make sure you give them space, observe them from a distance where you can see them, and try to read the animal. If it looks nervous or twitchy, give it a wide berth. Don’t get too close if you’ve got a camera, it’s better to watch from a safe distance.

Mountain water snake

b.

W A N N A LI V?

Pick up a copy of Hong Kong’s wellness magazine at 200+ locations citywide CAUSEWAY BAY Bodywize Fivelements Natures Village the work project Yoga Aloha CENTRAL Alive Wellness Annerley Asia Medical Specialists Atria Properties Austy Lee Baked Bakehouse Balance Health Barre 2 Barre Be Earth Be-Juiced Blend & Grind Byrne Hickman Central Cafe 8 Caffe Habitu Central Minds Central Wellness City Osteopathy Classified Classified CranioSacral Therapy HK Defin8 Dragon-i Duddel's Elevate Elu Spa Eric Kayser Feather & Bone Feather & Bone Feather & Bone Clearwater Bay Feel Good Factor Fete Up fete up fete up Fitness Compass Flawless Fresca Glow H-Kore

Healthy Chicken HSBC Gary Allen I-Detox IMC Hong Kong IMI Impakt MMA Iyara Cochrane Street JAB Studio Karma Yoga Mana mindful wing chun momentum Nature’s Village Okooko Optimum Performance Studio Central Options Studio Pilates Paul Gerrard Peak School Pherform Posture Plus Queen’s Garden Clubhouse R&R Bagels R3 Personal Training Sense of Touch LKF Soul Feet Strength Culture The Executive Centre The Firm The Murray The Right Spot Topfit Townplace UP! Health Urban Bakery Virtus Medical Group Waveworks weStretch XP Fitness Hub HAPPY VALLEY Classified Ekologic Eric Kayser Feather & Bone HKFC Resiglow

ISLAND SOUTH Beef & Liberty Byrne Hickman Repulse Bay Classified Hong Kong Parkview Island Wake, Stanley Limewood South Island School Stanley Wellness Centre The Aberdeen Marina Club The American Club The Round Clinic Thrive health TREE KOWLOON Beacon Hill School Goji Studios Mong Kok Jockey Club Sarah Roe School Justin Leung K11 management office KGV School Kowloon Junior School Oootopia Oootopia The Hive Lai Chi Kok USRC Weave Co-Living KENNEDY TOWN Crossfit Asphodel Foodcraft Infiniti C Jaspas Kennedy Town Maison Eric Kayer Makerhive Spicebox organics kennedy town Townplace Utime Kennedy Town MID-LEVELS Blend & Grind Bradbury School Chicken on the Run Elephant Grounds

Eric Kayser Feather & Bone Glenealy School Organic Plus - MidLevels Queen's Garden Spicebox Organics The Adventist The Matilda NEW TERRITORIES Clearwater Bay School Feather & Bone Shatin College Shatin Junior QUARRY BAY/ ISLAND EAST Blueprint ESF Head Office Fete Up Healing Kingdom Healthy Chicken O:RIN Quarry Bay School total loyalty company SAI YING PUN/ WESTERN 14 South Lane Eric Kayser F45 Feather & Bone Garage collective Goji Elite infiniti c Kennedy School Oootopia Organic Oasis Organic Plus Spicebox Organics Weave Suites West Island School SHEUNG WAN All About You Wellness Centre Brew & Crew Classified

Emmanuel F Eric Kayser fete up Found Goji Studios Central Grain of Salt House of FItness Kita Yoga Knead maximus studio Oolaa Sweetpea Patisserie vibes the place vulkano fit Yoga Room NEW TERRITORIES WEST L'hotel Management Company Limited WAN CHAI 12NOON Wan Chai Dwellworks Eric Kayser Feather & Bone Food for Life Wan Chai honbo Le Pain Quotidien Natures Village VSH Hong Kong

Food

HEALTHY RECIPE

"Not-Ella" Healthy Hazelnut Spread

By MyEurekaLife Smear this sugar-free hazelnut spread on whole wheat toast, protein pancakes or alongside a serving of fresh fruit. Follow @myeurekalife for more healthy recipe ideas like this.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy

TIME

25 minutes

TIP: Store in a mason jar in the fridge for up to a week.

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS:

• 1 cup toasted hazelnuts

1. Preheat over to 350°F. Lay raw hazelnuts out on a cookie sheet.

2. Roast hazelnuts for 15 minutes. Remove and let cool.

3. In a food processor or blender, add toasted hazelnuts and blend until a creamy and smooth buttery texture forms.

4. Add cacao powder, vanilla extract and dates, and blend.

5. Slowly add coconut milk while blending, until desired consistency is reached.

• 1½ tbsp organic cacao powder • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 10 Medjool dates, de-seeded • Full-fat coconut milk, as needed

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Pamper

THE GLOW UP News from the beauty aisle

MOTHERING FUN DAY

Celebrate the special women in your life all month with these Mother’s Day pampering treats.

Mother’s Day is on the 9th of May, but you can spoil your beloved mum (or aunt, friend or heck yourself!) all month long with these spa offers and pampering gifts.

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

Mandarin Oriental

At the Mandarin Salon, you can enjoy a relaxing day for two with a floral-themed pamper sesh. Mum and daughter can both get their hair professionally braided, with the stylists incorporating fresh flowers into their hairdo. At the same time, enjoy a floral art manicure for a look that’s totally adorable. The deal is $2,200 for two and includes a sweet surprise to take home.

How old do you need to be to enjoy the package?

As long as your hair is long enough to braid, the salon welcomes everyone, from tots to grownups.

25/F, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road Central, 2825-4800

SPA AND DINE The Peninsula has one of our favourite spas, and for Mother’s Day they’ve put together an all-inclusive package that comprises a 75-minute spa treatment, plus a three-course dinner for two at Felix. The offer is available from May 3-31 and costs $2,388 per head.

The Peninsula, Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui The Peninsula

FLOAX

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FLOAT AWAY Here’s something a little different! The Langham in TST has teamed up with FLOAX, a flotation spa, for an unusual new staycation. Priced from $1,488, the "Make Memories with Mom" deluxe package includes a whole day of pampering, including a 60-minute spa treatment at the hotel's in-house spa Chuan Body & Soul, breakfast and lunch buffet, round-trip transfers, a Floax float session for two, a bottle of champagne and a Mother’s Day cake. The package is available throughout the month of May. The Langham, 8 Peking Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2375-1133

Pamper

GIFT IDEAS

EARTH MAMA

New spiritual and alternative wellness shop The New Moon has put together six Discovery Boxes that make for perfect gifting.

Into astrology? The Horoscope box comes filled with items that correlate to your star sign. New to wellness rituals? The Discovery Box (pictured) is a veritable starter set, containing black tourmaline, Palo Santo sticks, a deck of Compass Cards to provide advice and insight, and a Bodha Calm Ritual diffuser oil. Costs $1,600 for each box. thenewmoon.com

A unique gift that brings relaxation all day!

MOTHER'S DAY Sale

10% OFF FLO DIFFUSER ™ Aroma Diffuser Magnetic Clip Simply put 3-5 drops of your favourite essential oil onto the stone in the FLO Diffuser TM , clip on your mask or clothes, and enjoy the freshness all day long!

Original design rights by

Discount code ‘LIVMOM’ Valid till May 16, 2021

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Home

RIGHT AT HOME with Kate Springer

A

s we head into the new season, you might have your sights set on a few home improvements perhaps you’re doing some Marie Kondo-style culling, upgrading furniture or revamping your workspace for a better WFH experience. Keen to curb waste in the process? Reach out to one of these eco-conscious services to upcycle existing furniture, buy pre-loved homeware, or sell or donate your discarded goods:

2ND CHANCE This aptly named organisation purchases and collects high-quality used furniture from individuals, hotels, developers and shops, then restores and resells them at a discount. They have more than 10,000 square feet of bargains in their Tuen Mun warehouse, which you can browse online. You could find some real gems, like pre-loved Shambala sideboards, five-panel Chinese screens, antique desks, pool tables, tables and couches or sell your own furniture to 2nd Chance to divert it from landfills. Better yet, 5 percent of all sales of antiques and collectables go to charity partners such as Children’s Heart Foundation, Playright, Po Leung Kuk, and more.

HAPPYSHOP

2ndchance.com.hk

HAPPYSHOP Another favourite for second-hand shopping is HAPPYSHOP. Established in 2012, the online furniture store collects used furniture all over Hong Kong then gives it a makeover before posting it online for resale.

The homegrown brand aims to empower Hongkongers to live lower-waste, greener lifestyles by proving that preloved furniture can be better than brand-new - especially after HAPPYSHOP’s designers get to work on it. If you’re keen to donate, ask about the complimentary furniture collection services. happyshop.hk

2nd Chance

CHAMELEON DESIGN AND INTERIORS Run by Scotsman Mark Fraser, who’s lived in Hong Kong for over two decades, Chameleon Design offers an impressive range of home improvement options from apartment-reinstatement services to custom feature walls, anti-bacterial paint jobs, full-scale renovations, flooring, drapes and furniture upcycling. Whether you’re hoping to modernise an antique Chinese chest or refinish a contemporary wood table, Fraser can handle just about any furniture makeover job. cdihk.com

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Home

GREEN DOT HOME It’s safe to say that Green Dot Home was ahead of the times when it opened almost a decade ago. The sustainable living pioneer promotes recycling through its used furniture donation and collection programme, as well as an online pre-loved homeware shop called GoGreen Shop, which often features high-quality pieces from the likes of GOD, Indigo Living and Tequila Kola. In the near future, Green Dot Home also plans to launch an upcycling arm where designers elevate used furniture and household items with creative solutions. gogreenshop.com.hk

SPRUE FURNITURE Zero Hero

Sprue furniture specialises in custom wooden furniture, often made from gleaming walnut, oak, white ash, rattan, spalted maple and more. Typically, a customer will approach Sprue with a reference in mind or a space to fill, and the design team takes it from there. And while upcycling is not Sprue’s primary service, the team does a beautiful job transforming pre-loved furniture into pièces de résistance. In the past, the team has salvaged a client’s old teak ceiling beams from a renovation and turned them into a dining table, converted a Japanese cedarwood tub into a cabinet, and broken tired tables into shelving units - in each instance, giving discarded wood pieces a new lease on life. sprue.hk

Chameleon Design and Interiors

ZERO HERO If you’re looking to buy or sell pre-loved furniture, then Zero Hero is worth a shot. Founded in 2019, the nonprofit online marketplace does not see a huge volume of pieces on the site but you can often find lightly used coffee tables, teakwood beds, compact storage cabinets and velour couches. It’s free to use aside from a nominal online payment processing fee, the profits of which are donated to the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children.

Sprue Furniture

zeroheromarket.com

Kate Springer is a Hong Kong-based lifestyle writer who contributes to Vogue, CNN, Home Journal, Tatler, BBC Travel, Forbes Travel Guide, Fodor’s, Vice, and more. You can follow her on Instagram @katespringer.

Send news about exciting home and design stories to kate@kate-springer.com.

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Family

FIT FAM with Zoe Belhomme

IT’S SHOWTIME

As social restrictions ease, live shows and entertainment are coming back on the agenda in Hong Kong. Here are some familyfriendly events cropping up over the next couple of months.

BABY SHARK LIVE 12-13 JUNE

Do-do-do-doodoodoo - everyone’s favourite musical shark is back in a brand-new, 65-minute live action show!

Join Mommy and Daddy Shark, Hettie the Hermit Crab and Shimmer the Octopus as they explore under the sea, solving riddles and searching for hidden treasure.

This show touches on some important themes, such as teamwork, empathy and looking after the environment, through monologues by colourful Baby Shark characters that little ones are bound to fall in love with (and parents are doomed to endure). Show times vary, tickets prices range from $280-$580.

Star Hall, Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kowloon, bit.ly/3xkdewy

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HAPPY GABBY 15 MAY, 3PM

Introduce your youngster to classical music by taking them to the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s Happy Gabby's Debussy Musical Adventure.

The concert is adapted from the popular book, Happy Gabby Plays Classical Music, which features charming rhymes, catchy melodies, and engaging illustrations to encourage babies, toddlers and young kids to appreciate classical forms of music. Suitable for children aged 3 and up. Tickets cost between $90-$380. Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium, 72 Tai Ho Rd., bit.ly/3gpoO3e

ROMEO & JULIET 18-20 JUNE

This performance by the Hong Kong Ballet Company introduces children and teens to the Shakespearean classic Romeo & Juliet through the captivating medium of dance. Set in 1960s Hong Kong, this modern retelling of the world’s most epic love story promises to keep kids entranced and on the edge of their seat with vivid dancing and dramatic scenes. Suitable for children aged 6 and above. Tickets cost between $140-$1,000.

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, bit.ly/3nc1WFQ

Family

FITNESS ADVENTURE AlphaStep is a new 6,000-square-foot fitness concept, and if the layout looks familiar to you, that’s because it’s partially inspired by American Ninja Warrior. Decked out with obstacle courses and equipment aplenty, the facility is designed to support the physical and mental development of children and teenagers (3-17 years), in a bid to get Hong Kong’s kids more active. This gym, or “foundry,” uses top-level training tools in an obstacle-based format, with digital training sessions that help develop basic skills, such as agility, strength, coordination and endurance. There are more than 20 individual fitness courses across seven categories to choose from, including Foundational, Ninja Warrior, Mind & Body, and plenty of other options. Got kids looking to burn off some energy? This is your golden ticket.

G20 & G21A, G/F, Monterey Place, 23 Tong Chun St., Tseung Kwan O, alphastep.com.hk

THE URBAN KANGA CAR SEAT One of the most common problems facing parents in Hong Kong is what to do about a car seat when traveling in a taxi or Uber. While most parents opt for a Maxi Cosi when babies are infants, it can be harder to keep larger babies and toddlers safe on the go. Enter the Urban Kanga, a super lightweight, foldable car seat that’s easy to take along with you and is designed for children aged nine months to four years. It’s got a ton of features that make it a great option for safety conscious parents: a five-point harness; quick and easy installation; head protection; and it’s even thin enough to go in the middle seat, making it a great option if you’re juggling multiple kids.

With all that said, it’s not comfortable for longer journeys and your kids probably won’t be able to fall asleep in it. If you’re traveling with the Urban Kanga, note that it meets ECE R44/04 safety standards so you can use it in the UK and Europe, but not in the USA, Australia or New Zealand.

Available from Amazon. Price varies due to shipping.

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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Behind the scenes A huge thanks to all our Women of Wellness stars, who shone so brightly on our shoot on April 24. We couldn't resist sharing a few behind-thescenes takes with you!

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