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Hong Kong Edition www.expat-parent.com

January 2015

Hong Kong mumtrepreneurs

How to mix business and the school run

Tee time Golf for kids

Beyond vegan

Gluten-free, sugar-free and dairy-free restaurants

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cosy things to do

Coochy coo Hot chocolate, onesies, beanies and mittens

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CONTENTs

JAN 2015 ISSUE 009 expat-parent.com

What’s on?

4 Editor’s Letter All new for January.

6 Calendar Happening this month.

12 Zeitgeist Wardrobe weeding, Oxbridge summer school and Pure Fitness’ new gadget.

16 News Need to know.

20 Must haves Winter warmers for cosy kids.

Family 22 Meet the parents Mind the (age) gap.

24 Feature Hong Kong’s enterprising mumtrepreneurs.

Education 30 Open day Inside Tung Chung’s YMCA Christian College.

36 Principal’s office Quizzing Principal Dion Chen.

Activities 40 After school Tee off for kids’ golf lessons.

44 Me and my hobby Teen guitarist Max Linnitt strikes a chord.

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CONTENTs

JAN 2015 ISSUE 009 expat-parent.com

Food 46 In season Cup hands for hot drinks.

48 Table for four Restaurants for kids with restricted diets.

Home 52 The home front New year, new home.

Adventures 56 Big day out See the birds at Hong Kong Wetland Park.

60 Travel Snowy days in northern Europe.

Resources 64 Money & Me With Eezy Peezy Parties founder Christine Smith-Mann.

66 Marketplace Your guide to shops and services.

70 Business directory Numbers that make life easier.

72 The bald truth about fatherhood Simon Parry’s misguided resolutions.

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editor’s letter

Editor Adele Brunner adele@fastmedia.com.hk Senior Consultant Editor Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Managing Editor Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk Editorial Assistant Cherrie Yu cherrie@fastmedia.com.hk Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Design Setareh Parvin setareh@fastmedia.com.hk Evy Cheung evy@fastmedia.com.hk Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So karman@fastmedia.com.hk Business Development Manager Tristan Watkins tristan@fastmedia.com.hk Marketing & Communications Manager Sharon Wong sharon@fastmedia.com.hk

C

hristmas is over, dear readers, which means it’s resolution time.

After the indulgence of December, the New Year invariably brings resolutions to eliminate the bad (too much wine, too much chocolate) and up the ante on the good (more exercise, more salad).

With conversations turning to diets and detoxes, be thankful that we’re over making merry for the time being because, frankly, going out in January can be rather dull. There’s always someone on a juice fast, others abstaining from wheat, dairy or sugar and wagonloads of people who are off alcohol for the whole month.

I am no different. As usual, I will endeavour to channel my inner Gwyneth Paltrow and vow to become fitter, eat healthier, drink gallons of water, learn to cook, get organised, say no to commitments I don’t have time for and be more patient with my children, who will wear only white as Paltrow’s seem to do.

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Sales & Marketing Executive Andrea Balboa andrea@fastmedia.com.hk

I’ve just had a birthday and have yet to roll out my resolutions but, hey, we can all fantasise.

January shouldn’t be all about enforced abstinence and almost impossible goals.

So instead of focusing on an unrealistic “new you”, we spoke to eight inspirational expat mothers who made a significant change to their lives by following their dreams and starting their own businesses.

Mumtrepreneurs, we salute you.

However, we get it that January is a good time to put your house in order so we have tips on weeding out your wardrobe, decluttering your home and even giving your front door a facelift. And as temperatures drop, we offer hearty suggestions for winter warmers.

We wish you and your families a happy, healthy 2015, filled with fun and laughter.

And if those resolutions don’t happen, you can always try again at Lunar New Year.

Adele Brunner

John Lee john@fastmedia.com.hk Viola Choi viola@fastmedia.com.hk Accounting Manager Connie Lam accounts@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk Contributors Carolynne Dear Simon Parry Callum Wiggins Evie Burrows-Taylor Rebecca Simpson Mei-li Rose Pe Bacani Printer Apex Print, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media Ltd LG1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Expat Parent is published by Fast Media Limited. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication.

Expat Parent cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors.

The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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We see the individual.

Hong Kong Academy offers a rigorous international education that engages students as unique individuals with different interests, goals, and approaches to learning. As an IB World School for students ages 3 to 18, Hong Kong Academy challenges all students to reach their potential and prepares them for life in a dynamic and diverse world.

To learn more about our school and community or to arrange a tour, please visit www.hkacademy.edu.hk or call 2655-1111.

learning, growing, understanding

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What’s on Happening in January

JAN 14-FEB 15 Kidsfest!

Eight favourite children’s stories and a bunch of dinosaurs live (except the dinos) on stage. Shows include The Gruffalo, Hugless Douglas, Horrible Histories, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Princess and the Pea and Erth’s Dinosaurs. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $195-$435 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

UNTIL LATE FEB AIA Great European Carnival

UNTIL JAN 4 Hong Kong Harbin Ice Festival

UNTIL JAN 4 1881 Enchanted Festive Forest

It’s back! The waterfront carnival returns with three hectares of fun, including bumper cars, a ferris wheel, street entertainers and a “European tour”. Central Harbourfront.

Tickets $125 (children aged three-11, $90) from www.ticketflap.com.

Ice sculptures, snowman building, cool games and even a 13m ice slide. Tai Tong, Yuen Long, 2337 9366. Tickets $60-$240 from www.ueticketing.com.

Catch the last few days of the enchanted forest, complete with elves and fairies. Free.

1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.1881heritage.com.

UNTIL JAN 4 Phantom of the Opera The man in the mask returns in Andrew LloydWebber’s renowned musical. AsiaWorldArena, Lantau. Tickets $292-$1,195 from www.lunchbox-productions.com, 8203 0299.

JAN 1 New Year’s Day Hello 2015!

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JAN 3 Southside Market Long Lunch Join the rooftop party, with communal tables, great food and live entertainment. Noon5pm, The Butchers Club Deli, 16/F, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2884 0768, www.butchersclub.com.hk. Tickets $550 (free for under-eights) from www.ticketflap.com.

JAN 7 Bastille The Brit Award winners live in Hong Kong.

Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $680720 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JAN 11 The Clearwater Bay Chase Annual road-running races – 10km for adults or 1km for parents and kids – in aid of Breakthrough. 8.30am, Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, 139 Tau Au Mun Road, Clearwater Bay, 2335 3752, www.cwbgolf.org/cwbchase.

JAN 11 Dogathon A 4.5km dog walk to raise funds for the SPCA. Plus dog-agility challenges, pooch-and-owner frisbee games, live music and food stalls.

8.30am-12.30am, Hong Kong Disneyland Coach Park, Lantau. Tickets $239-$539 or $1,499 for a family and four dogs from www.main.spca.org.hk.

JAN 11 Discovery Bay Sunday Market

JAN 17 Winter Garage Sale

Shop for original handmade crafts, creative gifts, vintage clothes and organic goods.

11am-6pm, Discovery Bay Plaza, 3651 2345, www.ddeck.com.hk.

Rummage for pre-loved goodies. 9.30am3pm, LG3 Car Park, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clearwater Bay, gujean@ust.hk.

JAN 14 Hong Kong Stories

JAN 21 Michael Bublé

Real people + true stories = fun night. The Fringe Club, Wyndham Street, Central.

Tickets $96-$120 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

The mums’ favourite crooner is in town.

AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau.

Tickets $811-$6,984 from en.ticketbis.com.hk.

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What’s on Happening in January JAN 25 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon It's the big one. Thousands of runners hit the streets in the marathon, half marathon and 10km races. 5.30am, Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (near Hotel Mira). www.hkmarathon.com.

JAN 27 The 1975 Clockenflap 2013 faves return to Hong Kong for their first headline show. KITEC Rotunda 3, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $590 from www.ticketflap.com.

JAN 31 Lily Allen Sheezus hits town. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau.

Tickets $788 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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BOOK NOW FEB 5-8 Fantastic Mr Fox

FEB 27-MAR 29 Hong Kong Arts Festival

MAR 15 Banana Run

Faust International’s child performers present Roald Dahl’s tale of a crafty canine vs Boggis, Bunce & Bean. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $220-$270 from www.hkticketing.com.

The city’s annual culture bonanza is just around the corner. Full details at www.hk.artsfestival.org.

Go bananas in aid of the World Cancer Research Fund. Registration is open for the 5km, 3km and 1km children’s races. Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade, www.beatthebananahk.org, 2529 5025.

FEB 1 Oxfam Walkathon

Jane Austen’s classic tale of the Bennet sisters’ hunt for husbands is brought to the stage by Ireland’s Gate Theatre. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai.Tickets $180-$500 from www.hk.artsfestival.org.

Walk around the Peak to raise funds for the fight against poverty. Individuals and teams should register by January 9 at www.oxfam.org.hk.

MAR 5-15 Pride and Prejudice

MAR 10 Ed Sheeran Live in Hong Kong

MAR 17-22 Gandini Juggling – Smashed Unique juggling act with a smashing finish.

Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $140-$340 from www.hk.artsfestival.org.

Yay! The A Team live. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $680 at www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

MAR 18 One Direction On The Road Again There are still tickets available, 1D fans.

AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $998-$3,488 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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FEB 24 Cold Half Swim

MAR 27-29 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens

Hardy swimmers race from Stanley Main Beach to Middle Island, followed by a warming beach party at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. Register by February 7 at www.openwaterasia.com.

Three days of beer, singing, dodgy dancing, fancy dress and, oh yes, world-class rugby.

Public ballot ticket applications close on Jan 31, draw on Feb 4. Hong Kong Stadium, So Kon Po, www.hksevens.com.

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zeitgeist Weed your Wardrobe Eve Roth Lindsay has tips for a cathartic clear out.

With the holidays over, it’s back to your familiar wardrobe. In fact, you probably know it so well that you are tired of it and longing for something new. Start with a good clear out. You may be surprised by how many pieces you rediscover as well as how much needs to go.

Clearing out your wardrobe is so cathartic you will wonder what took you so long. Looking for new clothes to add to your existing wardrobe is difficult when you don’t know what you have, so before you buy another thing you need to edit.

To keep your wardrobe organised, make a note of things you like – your favourite length of skirt, dress or trousers – and what makes an outfit work. You can even photograph which garments go together.

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Start with your favourite go-to outfits.

Get them out and decide what you like so much about them: colour, fit or style?

Comfort? Ease of cleaning? The answers will help you when you are going through the rest of your wardrobe.

Now start weeding. Put on some good music and try on everything in your closet.

Start with a category such as dresses, then move onto skirts, jeans, shoes, bags and accessories. Be methodical, starting at one end and working your way through. Be ruthless and as you edit, ask yourself whether you will wear these clothes again.

Organise clothes into five categories.

1. Favourites – these are the clothes you cannot imagine living without. A good test is to ask yourself if you would have it copied.

Action: return to wardrobe.

2. Have to go – what were you thinking?

These are the clothes you will never wear again. Action: recycle.

3. Alterations – pieces that would work with a tweak, perhaps to correct the fit, length, rips or buttons. Action: get them fixed.

4. Nostalgia – these might be things you wore till they couldn’t be worn anymore or that you used to wear and might wear again (but never do). Before you get rid of them, think about why you loved them. Could they be copied or replaced? Action: make a note in your wardrobe diary then put the items in your recycle, copy or alternation bag.

5. Not sure – these are items you can’t decide about. Action: move to the back of your wardrobe, but if you don't wear them this year you know what you have to do.

Now you have a smaller, more userfriendly wardrobe, it’s time to organise. Hang your clothes by categories so it is easy to find things. When you are getting dressed, think about where you are going and the image you want to project. Start with the most important item of the outfit: if you need comfort, begin with the shoes and build an outfit around them.

When you buy something new, see if there’s anything you can remove from your wardrobe rather than just adding new things.

When you keep buying, your wardrobe gets bigger but you often seem to have less to wear. Small capsule wardrobes work best, containing only clothes that you like, that fit and are in season. If you can’t wear it today, you shouldn’t be looking at it.

Last tip: clothes should never be put away without cleaning, especially in humid Asia, where small spots tend to grow into big stains by next season.

Can’t do it alone? With more than 88 consultants in Asia, Colour Me Beautiful has the right consultant to make your wardrobe happy. Call 2522 2592 or email info@colourmebeautiful.hk.

the joys of january xx

Is Oxford Summer College affiliated with Oxford or Cambridge universities?

The summer college is not directly affiliated, but we have strong links with the universities, who help us to design the programmes.

Students can speak to admissions tutors from the universities and all our tutors have connections with the universities, perhaps as previous graduates or junior research fellows. We aim to replicate the Oxbridge undergraduate experience.

Oxbridge primer Prepare for Oxbridge university entry with a two-week programme at Oxford Summer College. Founder and director James Gold has the details.

What is the Oxford Summer College?

I set up Oxford Summer College as an academic university preparation programme aimed at international students aged 16 to 18. Students stay and study at historic Pembroke College for a true Oxford experience. They have two-and-a-half hours of tuition in their chosen subjects and a further two hours of workshops including one-on-one sessions with tutors. We prepare students for entrance interviews and writing a personal statement. The college also organises afternoon excursions to museums or to to see a play, depending on the subjects the students have chosen.

Why is it so competitive to get into Oxford or Cambridge?

The number of applicants for these universities far exceeds the spaces available. At other universities, many applicants don’t have the grades to enter, whereas at Oxford and Cambridge the vast majority of candidates have similar top grades. The interview process is tough and preparation is essential.

How much does the course cost?

The two-week course is £3,995, which includes tuition, accommodation and meals as well as activities and excursions.

Flights are not included. Parents will deliberate whether this is value for money, and I would say we offer a truly immersive and authentic two-week Oxford undergraduate experience. We hire some of the best tutors from the colleges, so students receive valuable advice and feedback not just on their work but also on their future applications.

How can students apply?

Submit an application (the form is on our website) with a £500 deposit. Applicants are invited for a short Skype interview. Unsuccessful applicants will have their deposit refunded in full. For summer 2015, the starting dates are July 4 and 18. Information sessions will be held in Hong Kong on February 4 at 7.30pm, and February 7 and 8 at 2.30pm, Room 3 & 4, 10/F United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty.

Oxford Summer College, 2/F, Shui On Centre, 6-8 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 5808 9786, www.oxfordsummercollege.ac. expat-parent.com

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zeitgeist

the joys of january

Immersive Fitness Pure Fitness director Meech Aspden reveals its new piece of kit: a 270-degree, floor-to-ceiling cinema screen.

What is Immersive Fitness?

Immersive Fitness offers a full cinematic experience in a group fitness class. It uses a 270-degree, floor-to-ceiling screen, synchronising dynamic visuals with audio and movement. Pure Fitness is the first globally to launch the Immersive Fitness experience, in partnership with Les Mills.

We believe it’s going to be a game changer for group fitness.

What are the benefits?

A fully immersive experience engages the senses, making exercising more enjoyable

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and addictive. The endorphin highs come from the stimulation of sight and sound together with movement.

What will participants be watching?

It varies during the class and from class to class. Participants are transported to another world. Visual images include digital flying objects, a virtual racing track and digital competitors.

What kinds of exercise will be available?

The first to be launched is “The Trip�, a 35-minute indoor-cycling programme. Other programmes are in development including a HIITbased programme, dance, martial arts and a mind-body programme.

Who can use it?

Immersive Fitness will be available at all levels. Resistance on the bikes can be adjusted by the individual. Being fully immersed in this interactive experience is likely to elicit greater response and exertion from the participant.

When can we try it?

We will be launching in early 2015 at the new Pure Fitness in Lan Kwai Fong.

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news

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Hong Kong spine-chillers

On The Pulse Hong Kong isn't short of shopping options but what sets The Pulse in Repulse Bay apart from the rest is facilities that cater for even the youngest customers. In addition to some excellent casual shopping and dining options (plus spectacular views of Repulse Bay), it is probably the most family-friendly mall in town. Children will love the liquid nitrogen ice cream from Lab Made while parents can enjoy a coffee with a view at Classified and Coffee Academics.

The Pulse does not disappoint on the shopping front either with a whole children's section including branches of clothes stores Chickeeduck, Seed Heritage and Tunique.

Nor will kids need to be dragged round the shops. The Peek-a-boo play area is dedicated to keeping kids occupied and having fun. As well as a bouncy castle, professional children’s entertainers Rumple and Friends will lead games, shows, drama, singing and puppetry for children to join in with. The venue can be hired for birthday parties and special events.

Parents can also make use of the Fairy Nannies, a childcare service team within The Pulse, while they browse the shops or sit down to a nice meal. A day out at the beach just got a whole lot better.

The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay.

Get the shivers with the latest anthology of short stories by the Hong Kong Writers’ Circle. Hong Kong Gothic will take readers on a journey into the city’s darkest corners where lusty vampires, vengeful ghosts and murderous lovers will delight fans of gothic tradition. Twenty-two established and rising local and expatriate authors have contributed to this year’s edition, which features the iconic Two IFC transformed into a gothic medieval tower. The book is $150 from branches of G.O.D and Dymocks and online at Amazon and Paddyfield.com. All money raised goes to the Writers’ Circle for workshops and seminars for Hong Kong-based writers.

FIS reaches finals of Green Building Award The French International School has once again proved its green credentials, reaching the finals of the Green Building Awards for the renovation of its Chai Wan campus.

Co-organised by the Hong Kong Green Building Council and the Professional Green Building Council, the awards recognise exceptional contributions in sustainability for building-related projects. The winner was Island East.

FIS got the nod for the measures taken during the FIS renovations, which included retaining the existing building to minimise

construction waste, preserving existing trees and using green building materials. New eco-friendly features at the school include a rainwater recycling system as well as solarpowered water heaters.

FIS also won a gold award in 2011 from the Hong Kong Council for Sustainable Development. The awards reflect the school’s efforts to integrate sustainable living concepts into its curriculum, with elective ecology classes, school camps and even gardening on the school rooftop that aim to raise environmental awareness.

fly non-stop to manchester & Beyond Good news for parents with children at boarding school or university in the UK: travel to Britain’s regional airports just got easier. Cathay Pacific has launched a new non-stop route between Hong Kong and Manchester on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The route, which will be served by a Boeing 777-300R, is the only non-stop flight between the two destinations. Meanwhile, Cathay has also announced a codeshare agreement with British operator Flybe, which will allow passengers to purchase single tickets to Hong Kong via Manchester from regional British airports served by the carrier: Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Exeter, Inverness, the Isle of Man and Southampton. expat-parent.com

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news

Garrett popcorn opens in festie Chicago’s gourmet popcorn company Garrett Popcorn has opened its second Hong Kong branch in Festival Walk.

It’s already attracting big queues for its delicious signature flavours such as (we recommend the Chicago mix, an unlikely but utterly irresistible combination of caramel crisp and cheese) as well as a limitededition tin featuring the Hong Kong skyline, which was created exclusively for the opening and is only available in Festie. UG/F Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong, www.garrettpopcorn.hk.

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must have cosy corner

NPW penguin hand warmer $105 from Lost & Found.

Baby, it’s cold outside

Lyndon Trapper hat $490 from Jack Wills, 77 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, 3105 1798, www.jackwills.com.

Stay snug with these winter warmers.

Adrianna Stars UGG boots $1, 790 from UGG Australia, 2 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay, 2893 1338, www.uggaustralia.hk.

Newborn zebra onesie $385 from Seed, 41 Queens Road Central, 2160 3171, www.seedheritage.com.

Marlwood mittens $310 from Jack Wills.

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Knitted Hat Fur ear muffs $129 from Zara, www.zara.com. $89 from Zara, 70 Queen’s Road

NPW hot-water bottle $158 from Lost & Found, 8/F, The One, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2997 8191, www.lostnfound.hk.

Central, 2903 9500, www.zara.com.

Macaron hand warmers $198 from Lost & Found.

Knitted hat $129 from Zara.

Patterned sweater $515 from Seed.

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meet the parents

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Mind the gap Carolynne Dear meets an expat family with a large age gap between children.

Amanda & Stephen Boddington have three children, Tyler, 12, Kyan, nine and Harlow, three.

Harlow completely changed the dynamics of our family. We went from having two boys of close age, who are independent, at the same school, play the same sports and enjoy the same things, to having a baby girl in the house with all the juggling that comes with a newborn.

The boys were very excited about a new baby. I remember going on a junk trip at eight months pregnant and getting out of the water and the boys were standing there with towels up their rash tops to look like they were pregnant too. They didn’t know what to expect though – and we didn’t know we were having a girl, so it was an amazing surprise. Tyler and Kyan loved that Harlow was a girl (phew!), someone to look after and protect.

Coping with a newborn after a large gap does tend to make you forget how you did it before. The hardest was the sleepless nights, especially as I still had to get up to get the boys to school on time. When the boys got home I wanted to focus on them but I also had a newborn who was more demanding in the late afternoons.

Harlow had to learn to fuss by herself for a bit but it became easier as she grew up because she loved all the noise and commotion. She had to slot in and was dragged everywhere, but with two boys at school I could focus on Harlow all day.

Harlow was my first child born in Hong Kong and the experience was much better than having Tyler in London nine years before. The midwives were helpful and advanced with helping you deal with a newborn.

The equipment has also improved [since the boys], especially the strollers, with the invention of the Bugaboo. Things are also more environmentally friendly now.

I tried to be stricter with routine and sleeps this time round – a bit more Gina Ford – but could still get out of the house. I also swaddled Harlow more than I did with the boys and it seemed to work.

Now the hardest time of day is when the boys come home from school. Harlow comes to extracurricular activities and pick ups – and at weekends she loves coming to cricket and rugby, watching and running around but that might change as she gets older. If there are no activities, I manage all three with very different needs and trying to keep the peace. They all tend to want to stay in the living room, which increases the noise level somewhat.

Holidays were difficult at first, with the boys wanting to do things that Harlow couldn’t do or having to leave earlier as she had to go to bed. They have got easier now Harlow can keep up and is more independent – although swimming is still a big risk as she insists on trying to keep up with the boys.

Dinner times are a bit of a hot topic as I like the kids to eat together but Tyler feels that it’s too early for him. I also like them to eat the same food, which sometimes they are not happy about.

The best bit about having a larger age gap is watching the boys be big brothers to Harlow, looking out for her and helping when they can. Tyler is older and more responsible now so he can help, although I guess he will get too busy being a teenager. Kyan is very thoughtful with his little sister and looks out for her all the time.

Trying to keep the family together and being able to do things together as a family rather than splitting up can be hard sometimes, but we always have Sunday dinner together and we all have breakfast together before rushing for the school bus.

The best times are bedtimes when the boys take it in turns to read to Harlow – and when all three are tucked up in bed fast asleep. expat-parent.com

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feature

MEET THE MUMTREPRENEURS You can have it all. Enterprising mothers explain how they run successful businesses around family life.

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Tinja Wright The founder of design and communications agency, Sparkle (www.sparklecommunication.com), and bespoke-art company, Blank (www.blankbespokeart.com), has three children, 11-year-old twins Tallulah and Cade, and Roxy, nine.

Before I had children, I worked at the South China Morning Post (SCMP) as travel and design editor. I went back full-time after my twins were born, but when I fell pregnant with Roxy the hours were unsustainable. I wanted a job with flexible hours.

As travel editor, I’d dealt with the communications team of a high-end hotel brand and they asked me to help with their corporate communications. Sparkle took off from there in 2006 and we still work on the materials for their hotels in Asia-Pacific.

I set up Blank in 2011 after creating a canvas for myself and having people ask me to create similar artworks. We create canvases for homes and commercial spaces and are working on more than 200 wall-art projects for a six million-square-foot mixeduse development. Although my degree is in journalism, I’ve always had a strong interest

in graphic design and did a lot of freelance design work to pay my way through Central Saint Martins.

I fit my work life around my children. If I need to take a few hours out for a school meeting, I’ll catch up after supper. The studio was busy over the summer while I was holidaying in Britain, so I worked after the kids went to bed and held conference calls when Hong Kong was waking up. Not being able to fully “clock-off” is perhaps the main challenge, but I love what I do so I don’t really mind. I enjoy the creative aspect, working with lovely clients – and also the freedom.

Starting a business is hard but experience and a proven track record make the learning curve more manageable. As for regrets about starting my own business… honestly, none.

Claire Fenner The founder and CEO of women’s forum Heels & Deals (www.healsanddeals.org) has two sons, Jack, eight, and Ollie, seven.

I started Heels & Deals in Dubai in 2009 at the height of the economic depression.

I had launched a magazine for families the previous year and many of my female clients were worried about the effect of the spiralling economy. Many of them were almost paralysed by fear… they stopped marketing and networking and were just waiting for things to get better. One day in March 2009, I had the same conversation with four separate clients and decided to help these women by getting them together to share their experiences and promote their businesses. At the first meeting, we thought we’d be lucky to get 30 to 40 women attending but we packed the wine bar with 180 amazing women.

We had no idea how popular Heels & Deals would be. Expanding to Hong Kong was the first step and we plan to license the brand in other countries. We will provide centralised support and our members will be connected locally and globally. Gender inequality still exists and sometimes women don’t have the same access to contacts, knowledge,

inspiration and role models as men. Heels & Deals is designed to provide this access.

I have an office in Central as I work more productively there, but also have a home office when I want to spend more time with my boys. I work harder and longer hours than when I was an employee, but it’s worth it.

Having a strong support team is essential.

Include family and friends in this support network but also spend time with others who can empathise with you as a female entrepreneur and lift you higher when you most need it.

The boys have grown up with me working and understand that I juggle family and business. However, I firmly believe the decision to have your own business or be a working mum is an individual choice – what’s right for one family may not be right for another. One of my mantras is to “be present when I’m present”. When I’m with the family I focus on them and when I’m working I focus on business. There’s no point in being at work and feeling guilty for not being at home – it’s a waste of time and energy. expat-parent.com

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Kellie Irwin

The joint owner of card and gift company House of Cards (www.houseofcards.com.hk) has two sons, James, 11, and Jack, seven.

House of Cards was born in 2009 from a desire to return to work for both me and my business partner, Andrea Prickett. I’d resigned as a purser for British Airways after 15 years, while Andrea hadn’t worked since starting a family [she has two children, Jack, 12, and Ellie, nine, and now lives in Britain].

We both had young children and wanted the flexibility to choose our working hours in order to fit in school runs, events and being around for our families.

Having experienced difficulties in finding quality greetings cards and gifts in Hong Kong, we felt there was a demand. We bought cards in Britain on a summer holiday and a week later we hosted a home sale for friends and sold out. This gave us the confidence to approach British suppliers to secure exclusive rights to distribute their products in Hong Kong.

We now distribute to more than 100 stores in Hong Kong. Two years ago, we moved into an office in Kowloon Bay and are

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now in a new space twice the size. We employ five full-time and several part-time staff – we’ve come a long way from selling cards out of a suitcase to friends.

Like all mums, I am good at juggling different roles. We have a great team, which gives me the flexibility to spend time with my children when I need to. Technology is also a big help as I can catch up with Andrea via Skype and with my emails when the children are in bed. We have a great helper, who I rely on with the child care. I feel a bit guilty that I’m not able to spend more time with the children but I have a lot more flexibility than mums in full-time work. I enjoy being my own boss and making a significant contribution to our family income.

Setting up and running your business is always more work than you think. You need a supportive husband (mine has had many roles in the business – marketing director, card counter, IT support) and do lots of research. It is also imperative to enjoy what you do.

Claire Brownless

feature

The founder of artisan deli company Not Only Olives (www.facebook.com/NotOnlyOlives) has three children Ellie, 24, Justine, 22, and Joe, 20.

I started my business making and importing deli goods about eight years ago to subsidise extra tuition and extracurricular activities for my children and have a creditfree Christmas.

I was in a supermarket and asked the sales assistant where the olives came from and he looked as if I was from Mars. I realised I could do better. I used to work in my family’s delicatessen in Cornwall and selling comes naturally to me.

From October to mid-December I work every weekend, but I started the business when my children were teenagers so they were quite independent. However, I did rely on friends taking my son to the occasional rugby match but my husband works odd hours as a pilot so I don’t think the children were affected that much. Running my own business has enhanced my role as a mum and the extra income has been able to generate

better opportunities for my children. I love meeting people and developing new products. My biggest challenge has been keeping prices down. Rising table costs and raw materials make it difficult to keep it real.

My business has the potential to grow, but do I want the extra headaches of landlords, staff, logistical nightmares? No. I keep it simple to cover my costs and reach my own financial goals every month. My husband and I are a team and together we keep the family running.

Your ideas are your dreams, fulfill them and you will feel happy and complete.

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Marysia Juszczakiewicz Founder of Peony Literary Agency (www.peonyliteraryagency.com) and mother to Maya, 13, and Maksym, 12.

Before children and Hong Kong, I worked in publishing in London. I thought about setting up my own literary agency in Hong Kong, but the children came along so I shelved the idea. Nine years later, I saw a job ad for help needed by a literary agency. I ended up running the company until the person who funded it relocated back to Britain, taking the funding with him.

I took on their authors and founded the Peony Literary Agency. I now employ two staff members – in Taiwan and Shanghai – and work with several freelancers.

I have a degree in Mandarin and I work with a lot of Chinese authors but not exclusively. In 2009, my first year of business, I represented Su Tong [whose book Wives and Concubines was adapted into the film Raise the Red Lantern], who won the Man Asia prize for The Boat to Redemption, and I was Nobel Prize-winner Mo Yan’s first agent.

Finding new authors, doing the deal and seeing them published and selling well here and overseas is a buzz.

I confess I manage my job, children and

socialising with difficulty. I think my biggest challenge is attempting to juggle it all. I try not to allow the different areas of my life to blend – when it’s work, it’s work. I have an office at home, I shut the door and I don’t answer the landline or the front door. It’s the only way I can do it, but I do feel pulled in lots of different directions.

The overseas markets I deal with start in late afternoon and about 10pm Hong Kongtime so I have quiet patches during the day and can fit things around the children.

I travel quite a bit, which has made me appreciate my children because I don’t see them as much as I would like to. A lot of women here don’t work and I know my children see that I’m not helping at school as regularly as other mothers, which I feel bad about.

Hong Kong is a great place to set up a new business – there is no way that as a mother I could have done this in Britain – and I wish I’d started sooner. But there’s no point looking backwards. You have to have clarity and vision to always look forwards.

Samantha Harrington The founder of nightwear brand Sam’s Jams (www.samsjams.com.hk) has four children, Oscar, 18, Chloe, 16, Jesse, 13, and Arkie, 10. Her partner Julie Dixon (left) is mother to Lewis, 14, and Ella, 12.

Sam: I set up Sam’s Jams in 2010 because I couldn’t find good-quality children’s pyjamas in Hong Kong. I was working in a kids’ boutique in Sai Kung and I had many parents asking for pjs but nothing to sell them.

We started small, choosing fabrics from Shenzhen and getting the pyjamas made there. When Julie came on board, we managed to find reliable factories through her husband, who is in the garment industry.

Our priorities are stylish designs and comfort. Our name tags are on the outside as kids hate scratchy labels, and the specs are larger than average because nobody likes to be constricted by their nightwear.

One little boy thought our pjs were so comfy, he didn't want to take them off and tried to wear them to school under his uniform.

I like the money side and the fairs, but

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this isn’t a quick moneymaker and everything we make goes into the business. We have a five-year plan and if we’re still not paying ourselves after that we will call it a day.

Julie: I have a design background and my skills complement Sam’s so fortunately we manage to share the workload. She is the businesswoman, I love coming up with textiles, patterns and styles, and we now design and print our own fabrics. Our biggest challenge has been finding a factory prepared to do small orders and still value us as serious customers. We need reliability and fortunately we have that in place.

If you’re thinking of setting something up, make sure it appeals to a broad audience and do your research. But if you’ve got an idea or found a niche, go for it.

feature

Caroline Roy The founder of Apronto World (www.aprontoworld.com) has two children, Tyler, 11, and Jessica, 10.

In 2011, I conducted an experiment and documented our eco-behaviour as a family from March to September. The results surprised, shocked and inspired me.

My most important asset when I was eco-householding, cooking and crafting was an apron: wearing it gave me a sense of dedication and saved tons of laundry.

But the aprons available were unsatisfying so I reinvented this simple accessory with a talented seamstress.

We created prototypes, tested them, changed them and tested again.

A merchandising group, who have produced quality textiles for decades, sourced organic cotton canvas and oversaw production and quality for me. I started trading in March 2014.

Whenever I look at women who have founded businesses, I am impressed by how they fit in work, children and a social life. I

don’t know how they do it. As I work a lot from home, the kids have been part of many steps. They helped me with packaging and design, and my son even made a movie about my aprons.

I enjoy the creative process and the creative direction towards building a brand.

My biggest challenge is everything that isn't creative. I have to bend my brain to execute the necessary steps to support a successful business strategy. I suck at finances and work on the premise that I should have no costs I can’t control.

Not following too much advice is the best advice I can give. At the same time, listen well. Even if you don’t follow advice, the process of engaging with it is educational. Also, create short, realistic to-do lists that make sense in terms of workflow.

Whatever happens, I have no regrets. I’m no good at regrets. Never was.

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education open day

YMCA Christian College Evie Burrows-Taylor visits Lantau’s big-hearted DSS school.

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YHKCC encourages a balance of sports and studies.

Y

MCA Christian College (YHKCC) is a Lantau secondary school that was founded in 2003 on strong Christian principles and continues to prioritise the values of education, kindness and self-improvement. Located amid beautiful scenery, near Tung Chung MTR station, its serene setting is reflected in a positive, happy atmosphere among both teachers and students.

Its five core values are based on the Bible, encouraging pupils to build a community that cares, act with integrity, be responsible, respect themselves and others and to serve one another in love. Principal

Dion Chen believes these lessons play an important part in every child’s development, Christian or otherwise.

Although students are expected to take part in Christian religious activities, YHKCC welcomes students of all religions and backgrounds.

“We set up this school for everybody, as long as they meet our academic requirements, regardless of religion, race or gender,” Chen says.

“We never set a quota for the number of international students, Christians and non-Christians. We are a multicultural, multi-faith school and believe a positive experience here could result in alumni

joining the Christian faith later in life.”

International students from more than 40 countries make up more than 70 per cent of the YHKCC cohort and about 38 per cent of teachers are expats from Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Japan and India. Classes are taught in English and the campus is stunning – “not beautiful but functional”, according to Chen – with plenty of greenery and surrounded by unspoiled hillsides.

Outstanding sports facilities include an outdoor artificial turf pitch, multi-purpose sports field, a four-lane 100-metre running track and a long-jump sandpit.

YHKCC is not an independent expat-parent.com

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education open day

Students, who come from diverse backgrounds, can take advantage of the school’s outstanding facilities.

international school, however, but part of the Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS), receiving funding from the Education Bureau as well as private funding. Its large international student population is largely a result of its location in Tung Chung, which is popular with international parents looking for the right environment for their children.

The school caters to its diverse intake by offering IGCSEs and British A-levels as well as the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE), giving students the opportunity to choose their own academic path. The teacher to student ratio is 1:10,

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putting it among the upper echelons of the city’s international schools, and its results have been steadily improving, with a large majority of students passing in most subjects at IGCSE and A-level.

Students are expected to reach a minimum academic requirement – a target that continually moves higher as pupils progress – and Chen is keen to highlight the school’s extracurricular activities.

“We really want our children to be developed all-rounders, not just focused on one area,” he says. “We believe students have their own talents; some are good at

The teacher to student ratio is 1:10 and results are steadily improving

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education open day

Students are encouraged to nurture creative talents.

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studying, some at sports. We try to help students discover their talent and develop it. We want to give them the opportunity to take outside interests, such as music, visual or performing arts, to the highest level.”

The school has a sophisticated pastoral care system. With pupils coming from such diverse backgrounds, Chen sees this as an essential part of the school. Up to Form 4, each classroom has two teachers and each year group has two heads of year – male and female, local and international.

Pupils are encouraged to be sympathetic to other cultures through mixed-culture classes, and the school does not stream according to ability, in order to avoid a system that highlights students’ strengths and weaknesses.

YHKCC’s caring culture extends to the local community. Chen leads by example, working with NGOs in his spare time including the Hong Kong Association of Youth Development, Lions Club Diamond Hong Kong, Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council and the Executive Council of the Islands Scout District.

The school gave local low-income families

free tickets to its annual funfair, which in 2013 attracted 3,500 visitors, and included performances, games and a bouncy castle.

Students are also encouraged to try to improve people’s lives beyond their immediate environment, with annual community service trips to Thailand, Taiwan, Cambodia and China.

“Everytime we complete a programme, the reflections of the students are very touching, often they say they couldn’t have

imagined what they saw,” Chen says.

While operating a school as diverse as YHKCC isn’t easy, Chen and his team welcome the challenge.

“As long as there are challenges in front of me I do my best to overcome them, enjoying the overwhelming sense of achievement that comes with it.”

This generosity of spirit and determination to meet difficulties head on is what YHKCC is all about.

The YHKCC campus and some of its students.

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principal’s office

Dion Chen Evie Burrows-Taylor quizzes the principal of YMCA Christian College.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

My accounting teacher had a big impact on my career choice. I told her I wanted to be a teacher and she told me to study for an accounting degree first, that way I’d have more choices later on. I followed her advice.

Why did you become a teacher?

The main reason was because of my teachers. I love working and being part of a school, and part of that is sharing my experiences. When I moved back to Hong Kong in 2003, I found it hard to find a job and started as a teaching assistant in a special needs school, where I learned a lot about special needs and the difficulties that some children face in Hong Kong.

How long have you been a teacher?

About 12 years.

What are some of the challenges associated with being a principal?

I don’t face too many challenges. We have set goals, so everybody knows what our mission is, and a very open culture – we try to discuss everything with colleagues and listen to their views – so once a policy comes out, everyone knows what they need to do.

What do you enjoy most about being a principal?

Teaching in the classroom is the happiest time. The face-to-face interaction with the students can’t be replaced and the job of a principal is a bit different.

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What do you like most about being a

principal in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is a really multicultural city and this school is a mini Hong Kong. Being a principal in this city is not easy, but I enjoy challenges.

How do you spend your free time?

I spend it with my family and helping the community. I do sports as well – one of them is quite weird, canoe polo. It combines kayaking and basketball, so you need to paddle a kayak and get the ball at the same time. Every two years we have an international tournament, and I participate as a referee. It’s quite an exciting game.

If you had to pick a talent what would you choose?

Something related to the arts. I can play sport and study, but I’m totally blind when it

comes to these areas. I can sing, but no one would like to hear me.

What quality do you value most in other people?

I value people who are serious about their life and work. If you do everything seriously, you can achieve anything. I don’t appreciate people who lack focus.

When you were a child, who was your favourite teacher and why?

My accounting teacher. She told me off a lot, you know, in the traditional Hong Kong way, teasing students, scolding them. But I liked her style and she gave me a lot of inspiration.

YMCA Christian College Address: 2 Chung Yat Street, Tung Chung Phone: 2988 8123 Website: www.ymcacc.edu.hk

What was your favourite subject?

Business and accounting – as a subject, not as a career.

expat-parent.com

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its

Sponsored column

Handwriting: art or archaic?

ITS Educational Services explains why handwriting matters in the computer age.

We are in an age where the art of handwriting is being called into question.

With laptops, tablets and smartphones invading our social consciousness at every turn, schools have had the challenge of finding a delicate balance.

Most adults will recall that one of the first things they learned at school was how to write the alphabet, in lower-case and capitals, progressing to writing words, sentences, paragraphs and essays. Some schools included penmanship classes teaching children to make their writing pretty and readable. Today, keyboarding is in. It is common for students as young as 10 years old to type their homework and assignments.

Developing Literacy While computers are widely used in Hong Kong’s international schools, handwriting still plays an important role. Educators

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believe handwriting is important in helping students to read and in creative writing as well as improve fine motor skills. Not only do students learn letters better by committing them to memory through writing, but also it may benefit memory, learning ability, cognitive development and understanding.

Thus, the benefits of writing by hand extend beyond childhood. For adults, typing may be a fast alternative to longhand, but that very efficiency may diminish our ability to process new information.

Schools that follow the British national curriculum place a strong emphasis on handwriting during the primary school years. Although word-processing programs and assistive technologies are important communication tools, having legible, efficient handwriting is still an important skill for future education and employment.

In the essay sections of GCSE, A-Level, IB Diploma and SAT exams, examiners unable to read a student's writing can assign that portion "illegible".

However, this does not mean schools neglect or downplay the importance of keyboard skills. Both handwriting and keyboards have their place in the modern curriculum and just as students perfect their handwriting, they also learn keyboard skills.

For now, though, schools can safely agree on the need for teaching neat and efficient handwriting. The physical act of writing to be replaced wholly by typing on digital devices is still a way off. After all, if a child does not know how to write, a child will not know how to read, and life is going to be quite challenging because there are letters everywhere.

ITS Educational Services offers numerous services to families who are looking for entrance to international schools.

These range from school advice, school assessment preparation, intensive English courses for entry into mainstream schools and consultancy support for entrance to universities. For details, email anne.m@itseducation.asia.

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activities after school

IN THE SWING Golf lessons for children.

Tee-time for children at the Action Waterfall Golf Range in Olympian City with the Australian Academy of Golf.

Australian Academy of Golf Based at the Action Waterfall Golf Range, this junior golf programme aims to develop skills and sportsmanship in children aged three-18. Young players learn the basics of golf, including the rules, posture, stance and grip as well as more complex skills such as chipping, swing, putting and management psychology. Lessons are $960 for four or $1,760 for eight. 2/F Olympian City, 1 Hoi Wang Road, Kowloon, 2271 4953, www.juniorgolf.com.hk.

City Links Golf Lounge Conveniently located in the heart of

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Central, the City Links Golf Lounge offers various golf-simulation programmes and tournaments, as well as corporate events and private parties. Public rates vary from $6,000 for a five-hour faults-and-fixes programme to $17,000 for a 20-hour, total gameimprovement programme, providing instant feedback on each shot. The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, 9225 7285, www.citylinksgolf.com.

Driving Range Simulator Experience Tee off indoors at Green Live’s Driving Range Simulator Experience. Its highprecision technology lets the player choose

from various practice methods and offers systematic analysis and tools to target specific weaknesses, helping players to improve their game. Until March 31, the experience costs just $99 (or $168 for two people, including equipment and a drink).

Book at least two days in advance. 1/F, D2 Place, 9 Cheung Yee Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, 2593 6888, www.green-live.hk.

Garden Farm Golf Centre Lessons for beginners and intermediates in a grassy venue in Sai Kung, with an outdoor kiosk, barbecue facilities and free parking.

Beginners are introduced to the equipment,

Above: Olympian City’s multistorey driving range. Below: The Golf School of Hong Kong has four venues.

taught how to hold the club, about posture, swing and how to use irons. Intermediates practise with irons and woods, learning to drive, chip, play a shot from a sand bunker and golf-course etiquette. Individual lessons are $700-$1,500 an hour, depending on the coach’s experience; group lessons are $1,380 for six one-hour sessions. 8C Tseng Tau Village, Shap Sze Heung, Sai Kung, 2791 9098, www.gardenfarmgolf.com.

Hong Kong Junior Golf Society The Hong Kong Junior Golf Society trains young players of all ages. Divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, it holds tournaments for under-18s and teaches basic game skills, as well as the history and etiquette of golf and even course management. It also offers video analysis of a golfer’s drive. Lessons are usually held in Sai Kung, Discovery Bay and

Clearwater Bay. Details at 2504 8659, www.hkga.com.

J&J Golf Academy This successful junior golf academy in Discovery Bay boasts several tournament victories. Group and private lessons are with professional golfers, including Jason Kwok of the Hong Kong PGA, Mark Mossip and Michael Long. Junior golfers aged five and up learn the basics of the game from the swing to putting in fun, one-hour group lessons, available Mon-Fri, 4pm-6pm ($270-$320). Private 30-minute sessions cost $420-$450. Golf camps are available during school holidays. Discovery Bay Golf Club, Discovery Valley Road, 2731 0663, www. jandjgolf.com.

Kids Golf Kids Golf runs a SNAG (Starting New At

Caption caption

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activities after school Golf) programme at several international schools across Hong Kong, including Quarry Bay School and Hong Kong International School. Children aged five-12 are taught with specially designed clubs and balls to keep things interesting during the fourto five-month course. Costs vary. After completing the three SNAG levels, young players can advance to the Junior Golf programme, with training from a golf school or with professional coaches. SNAG aims to teach fundamental life lessons alongside golf, including discipline, decision making, conflict resolving and goal setting. Details at 2663 3524, www.kidsgolf.hk.

My Golf Academy My Golf Academy offers customised oneon-one lessons with certified professional golf instructors for junior golfers aged six-18 years old at all levels. The lessons are available at indoor driving ranges across Hong Kong. Private lessons are $600-$700 an hour or $680 for four one-hour group

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lessons. Sessions cover aim, posture, stance, ball positioning, swing, pitching, chipping for beginners and intermediates, with swing video analysis, bunkers and course management for the advanced.

Tournaments are held every weekend.

For details, contact 9380 0812, mathew@mygolfhk.com, www.mygolfhk.com.

The Golf School of Hong Kong Led by a PGA professional, The Golf School of Hong Kong provides junior courses for children from age seven, taking them from

beginners to competent players able to hit the course. Venues include Sai Wan, Causeway Bay, Ma On Shan and Tai Po. Divided into six modules, each running for 12 weeks, it includes the basics of equipment and posture through to course strategy and skill enhancement, with exams and reviews throughout. $4,400 for each module. 2/F, 444 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Wan, 9507 7277, www.thegolfschool.hk.

The Whitehead Club Golf lessons are available for children from age four to teens at beginner and intermediate levels. The courses run from Fridays to Sundays and comprise four onehour lessons for juniors and four 90-minute lessons for seniors. They cover a wide range of skills from safety, etiquette and club selection for beginners to posture, swing techniques and chipping for those who have reached intermediate levels. Lessons cost $980-$1,380 depending on age and ability.

Whitehead, Ma On Shan, 2631 9900, www.whiteheadclub.com.

From far left: driving at The Golf School of Hong Kong; the facilities at Garden Farm Golf Centre; teeing off.

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me & my hobby Guitar Hero

My first performances were at my primaryschool Christmas fair. I have never been scared of performing and I don’t get nervous.

I once told my parents I would be more scared playing in a big empty room than playing to a room full of people. Performing is second nature to me and I really enjoy it.

The only time I had stage fright was my first performance when I was eight. I was so nervous I dropped my pick. Since then I have not been nervous at all.

I used to perform only at Rockschool and for friends and family but now I have a regular gig at Casa [tapas bar] in Sai Kung every other Wednesday from 8pm until 9.30pm, playing the acoustic guitar and singing. It is really cool.

Photo: Callum Wiggins

I enjoy both being in a band and performing solo. I have played in a couple of bands and may be joining another one soon as lead guitarist. We have to get our GCSE exams out of the way first.

I used to write a lot of music but it was all acoustic. I have since started a collaboration album with a bunch of friends that will cover lots of different genres – it will take a long time so don’t expect anything soon.

ROCK on At 15 years old, guitarist Max Linnitt has a regular gig in Sai Kung.

I

started playing guitar at age seven as an after-school activity when I was at Clearwater Bay School [he now attends Sha Tin College]. To be honest, I didn’t like playing at that point because I went to weird group lessons with a bunch of other people. I didn’t enjoy them at all. Since then I’ve had one-on-one tuition and taken part in several rock schools with other people my age, where you write and perform your own songs.

I still have lessons once a week. You are always learning no matter how good you are. Professional guitarists and musicians constantly get together to learn new things. I practise every day (mainly the electric guitar) and I also teach beginners. I really like seeing people enjoy learning and I want to pass on my knowledge and experience.

I play both acoustic and electric guitars. My dad made me learn the acoustic guitar before he brought me an electric one, but I spent a lot of time learning electric guitar riffs on

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the acoustic guitar. I much prefer the electric guitar. I really like old 1970s and 80s hard rock – I think that is why I have such a passion for guitar. I want to pursue a career in being a session musician but my mum wants me to be the next Ed Sheeran. I keep telling her, “No, Mum. I want to be the next Slash, Jimmy Page or Joe Perry.”

I decided to learn the guitar over any other instrument after a friend showed me a video of Slash [the Guns N’ Roses guitarist] and I thought, “I want to be like that”. I also saw a clip of my grandmother gigging in small bars in America and that sealed my decision.

I love to play hard rock on my electric guitar but I play contemporary music on the acoustic guitar and I sing when I play it.

I don’t have singing lessons. I had one or two but the teaching style was opera and I didn’t like it. Now when I sing and play, I try to make a different arrangement of the song to suit my voice.

Playing the guitar and performing have changed me. I now listen to music from a different perspective. I’m studying GCSE music and that has given me the tools to name musical techniques used in different parts of the song. This often annoys people so I now do it in my head. Remembering lyrics has also improved my memory, which helps in drama at school. Teaching guitar has also sparked my interest in teaching, which I might never have thought of – and it might help me pay for music school.

Winning awards such as a Grammy is not one of my goals as a musician. I am interested in being a session musician and having my own studio. For me, it is about the music, not about the fame. The Grammys is possible though. I am not discounting it completely.

My advice to beginners is to practise. Ten thousand hours – just like The Beatles. When you start playing the guitar, it can be very stressful. You might find you can’t play a chord because a string is muted or you can’t remember how to play a chord. You have just got to push through and you will be rewarded with results.

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food In season

Hot sips

Warm up on cold days by wrapping your hands around one of these hot drinks.

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Jean Paul Hévin Hot Chocolate What is it: Voted the best hot chocolate in Paris in 2012, the chocolatier takes the drink seriously with more than 10 different hot chocolates on the menu. These are made with beans from specific regions or with flavours such as Chantilly, matcha and chestnut-fig. Treat yourself.

Price: $60.

Where: 13 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2851 0633, www.jeanpaulhevin.com.hk.

Chinese Herbal Teas What is it: Many locals swear by the healing qualities of these herbal teas, sold from streetside stands. They’re hot and refreshing, if a little “medicinal” in flavour.

Price: $9.

Where: Tung Lok Tong, Shop 273A Queen’s Road East, Sheung Wan.

Starbucks Gingerbread Latte What is it: Starbucks’ iconic red cups are a sure sign winter has arrived. Gingerbread latte is a seasonal speciality, with a dollop of spicy-sweet gingerbread syrup in the milky coffee and a generous topping of cinnamonand clove-infused whipped cream.

Price: from $41.

Where: Your neighbourhood Starbucks, www.starbucks.com.hk.

Pacific Coffee Praline Truffle Mocha What is it: Taking mocha – a shot of espresso topped with hot chocolate – to a whole new level is this indulgent new winter concoction, topped with whipped cream, chocolate swirls and broken praline pieces.

Price: from $39.

Where: Pacific Coffee branches, including 2/F Central Building, 1-3 Pedder Street, Central, 2401 1171, www.pacificcoffee.com.

Taiwan Bubble Tea What is it: Hot milk tea with chewy tapioca bubbles, Taiwan’s favourite tea is strangely enjoyable and has become a hit all over the world.

Price: $16.

Where: Share Tea, Shop A, Commercial Building, 34 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, 3111 7386, www.sharetea.com.tw.

Boiled Cola with Ginger and Lemon What is it: A tried-and-tested cold remedy favoured by many Hong Kong Chinese mums. Boiling removes the bubbles from the cola and the ginger and lemon add zing and medicinal benefits.

Price: $22.

Where: at various Tsui Wah branches, including 15-19 Wellington Street, Central, www.tsuiwah.com.

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Hot Vitasoy Hot soy milk is a nostalgic winter pick-meup and a Hong Kong phenomenon that has spread worldwide. It dates to 1940, when Dr K.S. Lo first had the bright idea of distributing nutritious soy milk, produced from soybeans, which have been a Chinese staple for more than 4,000 years. The first deliveries were made by bicycle. Innovations followed, including the introduction of sterilisation in 1953, which meant the soy milk could be stored without refrigeration, and Tetra Paks in 1975. By the late 1970s, Vitasoy was well on its way to becoming a Hong Kong icon, beloved of schoolchildren across the territory and now in 40 countries worldwide. Today, Vitasoy can be found at most local convenience stores, 7-Elevens and neighbourhood snack shops. In winter, the little glass bottles are stored in hot water and served warm in original or malt flavour. $7.90 from 7-Eleven, with 50 cents cash back for returned bottles.

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food veggie heaven

Who says vegetarian food is all about salad? Delicious dishes at The Herbivores (this page and opposite).

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Fussy eaters Restaurants for families with special dietary requirements.

By Callum Wiggins.

The Herbivores

Loving Hut

Maya Café

There are branches of this vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Staunton Street and Hysan Place, Causeway Bay. The Hysan Place branch oozes style and modernity, with high chairs for small children and comfy sofas. Popular dishes include the tofu box, portobello mushroom steak and pumpkin carbonara. Dishes are light and colourful and kids will love the range of fancy cakes and desserts.

Open daily, noon-10.30pm. 9/F Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, 2613 2920, www.facebook.com/ Theherbivoreshongkong.

Vegan restaurants are hard to find in meat-loving Hong Kong, but Loving Hut is a veggie oasis in the heart of the city.

With more than 200 franchises around the world, each branch is individually owned and designs its own menu. Standouts include the tofu “meat” dishes, including sweet and sour “pork” and roasted “eel” with vegetables, as well as healthy juices and soy-based fruit smoothies. Owner Christine is a fount of knowledge for anyone interested in a vegan lifestyle and even gives sings live in several languages at weekends.

Open daily 11am-9.30pm. 2/F, 93-99 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai, 2574 3248, www.lovinghut.com.

This cosy little café serves wholesome Mediterranean-style vegetarian cuisine and an array of dairy-free, gluten-free and MSG-free dishes cooked by FrenchMoroccan chef Tina Barrat. She uses mainly organic ingredients in dishes such as baked ratatouille with gluten-free bread and kidfriendly snacks such as potato croquettes and falafels. For an extra dose of goodness, check out the juices and smoothies made fresh in the café.

5 Moon Street, Wan Chai, 2529 3319, www.mayacafe.com.hk.

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food veggie heaven

A Pink Lady smoothie at Loving Hut.

Go green with a healthy “flat” at Mana!

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Grassroots Pantry

Mana! Fast Slow Food

Chef Peggy Chan’s cute-as-a-button café uses mainly unprocessed, local, sustainable and organic produce in its farm-to-table menu. Diners eat alfresco on the small patio area or inside the cosy dining room, with high chairs available for little ones. The menu is vegetarian and varies with the season and the availability of local produce, with gluten-free, sugar-free and vegan options. For winter, try a warming tandoori tofu “chicken” and paneer with baked spinach naan or tandoorispiced hedgehog mushrooms. Kids will love the dairy-free, vegan ice-cream from Happy Cow. The second floor is used for private events and regular cooking classes and the restaurant also has its own organic herb garden where it holds monthly workshops.

Open Tue-Sat noon-3pm, 6pm-10pm; Sun 10am-4pm. 12 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun, 2873 3353, www.grassrootspantry.com

An eco-friendly alternative to traditional fast-food culture, Mana! serves vegetarian, vegan, raw, organic and gluten-free dishes.

The popular wholemeal or gluten-free “flats” are a modern spin on traditional Middle Eastern flatbreads with a choice of healthy fillings such as avocado, hummus, cucumber and spinach topped with za’atar. Other menu items include salads, soups, shakes and vegan desserts. There’s a busy takeaway counter, with bar seating inside and a communal table in the backyard. Take your own container for a five per cent discount.

92 Wellington Street, Central, 2851 1611, www.mana.hk.

The Awakening Recently opened in Sai Ying Pun, The Awakening prides itself on nutritionally sound food, with vegetarian, sugar- and

Health-food stores Little Giant Set up for people with allergies, food intolerances and special dietary requirements, this online “allergy store” has a wide range of groceries with various combinations of wheat-free, glutenfree, dairy-free, egg-free and soy-free ingredients. It also stocks anti-dustmite products, toys, books and household products. www.littlegiant.com.hk.

Health Essential A wide range of health foods, beverages,and supplements including organic, gluten-, sugar- and dairy-free items, plus personal, babycare and hypoallergenic laundry products. Free delivery on orders over $800. 8/F, 106-108 Des Voeux Road, Central, 2545 2286, www.health-essential.net.

Green Earth Society All you need for a green lifestyle, including health foods, supplements, personal and beauty products, hemp clothing and even solar panelling. 37 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, 2792 0106, www.greenearthsociety.com.

Just Green From its first store in Lamma, Just Green has expanded into the city with its ecofriendly range of organic, hypo-allergenic and gluten-free foods, plus supplements, home products, and baby goods.

52 Graham Street, Central, 2801 5611; 7 St. Francis Street, Wan Chai, 2528 9969, www.justgreen.com.hk.

Anything but Salads Great tasting superfoods, herbs and all-natural ingredients such as cheesy kale crisps and cinnamon almond butter.

Delivery charge is $50.

G/F, 14 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, 6743 5000, www.anythingbutsalads.com. gluten-free dishes as well as options for the more carnivorous. The menu changes according to what’s in season and focuses on premium ingredients such as Himalayan salt, grass-fed beef, nut oils, cage-free eggs and clarified butter. Must-try items include quinoa pasta with chicken, courgettes and punchy pomodoro sauce and grass-fed 14oz ribeye on Himalayan pink salt, with crispy carrot and spinach salad. G/F, 1-6 Ying Wa Terrace, Sai Ying Pun, 2858 0005, www.theawakeninghk.com.

Good Life Nutrition Store Originally specialising in sports supplements, the store has branched out with a large range of natural and organic health foods and household products.

2/F, Lin Fook House, 3 Jardine’s Crescent, Causeway Bay, 3427-9893; Shop 134, Melbourne Plaza, 33 Queen’s Road, Central, 2388-5278, www.goodlifenutritionhouse.com.

Above and top: The Awakening.

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the home front DIY fung shui

Follow the Sheep 52

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Clockwise from top left: Sleep Naked’s Latte bedding; Out of the Box

by TREE; long-term storage with StuffGenie; vintage is big in 2015.

Banish the clutter and update with soft colour for the home-lovin’ Year of the Sheep. By Rebecca Simpson.

i

n the Chinese calendar, 2015 is the Year of the Sheep – the wood sheep, to be precise. An artist of the Chinese zodiac, the sheep thrives in a beautiful home environment, which means bringing harmony to the family living space is more important than ever this year.

For some, this is a cue to call in a fung shui master to rearrange your home and optimise your luck, wealth and health. It’s

a pricey business, however, but there are a few do-it-yourself ways to create space and harmony in your home.

Declutter “If your house is full of clutter – no matter if it’s hidden or in plain view – you have to take care of your clutter first,” says Rodika Tchi from www.knowfengshui.com.

For many of us, that might be a

monumental task. But interior designer Monique McLintock has a useful tip.

“Nobody ever has to time to spend days decluttering so my advice is to spend just 15 minutes a day on one area. If you try to do everything at once then you only get overwhelmed,” she says.

In space-poor Hong Kong, however, there are plenty of storage solutions for organising your possessions thanks to a expat-parent.com

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the home front DIY fung shui subculture of beautiful, functional furniture distinct to the territory. The key is to buy clever, says TREE’s managing director Kate Babington.

“Great design isn’t about having lots of things, it's about surrounding yourself with things you love. Buy less and buy smart,” she says.

“Pick one-of-a-kind pieces that are built to last. A flexible storage solution is an essential way of creating space, which is why we developed the Out of the Box collection.

Available in either rustic eco-teak or fun and fabulous mosaic recycled boat wood, this collection of seven boxes in different shapes and sizes gives you the flexibility to design your own storage solution.”

StuffGenie is a new Hong Kong storage service that takes care of your clutter. Using its website or mobile phone app, boxes are delivered to your door within 24 hours.

Pack out-of-season items and StuffGenie will collect the filled boxes for storage in its climate-controlled facility (from $65 a month). When you want them back, just click to receive your items within 24 hours. It’s a convenient solution for seasonal items such as skis and wakeboards.

“We know how tight space can be in Hong Kong.

We want to give people the freedom

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to manage their own space – to have their stuff where they want, and when they want it,” co-founder Miles Davison explains.

Once clutter is cleared and you turn the page to a new year, look local to stylishly organise your home life. Here in our urban jungle utility and design have been intimate for generations, producing a subculture of beautiful, functional furniture distinct to Hong Kong.

Update with something new Soft furnishings can give your home an instant face-lift.

New cushions, a rug or bedlinen have the power to change the tone of a room in an instant without costing the earth. The easiest transition into the season’s latest looks is with colour.

“This is the year for soft

colours such as burgundy, dusty rose, soft mint green, pale custard and neutral camel,” McLintock says.

Add sleek character to a bedroom with Sleep Naked’s sumptuous Latte luxury bed set (www.sleepnaked.hk), for a subtle touch of colour, which honours this season’s trend.

Recycled, reused and reloved vintage pieces will also get their time to shine in the Year of the Sheep.

“Vintage is also a big trend for the new year. Find some lovely family pieces tucked away in your grandmother's cabinet or in your dad's old study. This year is all about mixing old with new to give a unique and personal look,” McLintock says.

The trend for eco-friendly pieces shows no sign of abating.

“Eco-design is a big trend for 2015 and for us this means working as much as possible with natural materials and fabrics,” Babington says. “Even a small wooden piece can have a big impact on a living space, bringing you closer to nature and adding natural beauty to the home.”

This is the year for soft colours such as burgundy and dusty rose Front-door facelift Jan Cisek of Feng Shui London recommends changing something at the front door to help refresh energy.

The front door is a place of transition between the world and your family. Try a new doormat, an ornament to hang on the door, or a new shoe rack. If you want to make a statement, McLintock says this is the year to do it.

“Add something colourful to the front door. Don't be afraid to paint your door blue, red or violet,” McLintock suggests.

“You can always paint it back next year.”

Make a statement with your front door in the Year of the Sheep – you can always change it next year.

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big day out tweet it

For the birds Hannah Grogan joins the twitchers at the Hong Kong Wetland Park.

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I

thought Hong Kong was a small place until I went to the Hong Kong Wetland Park. It’s in north Tin Shui Wai but, my, it seems a long way away. The journey only adds to that holiday feeling, however, and it’s worth the effort of getting there.

The park opened in 2006 as an educational facility, conservation platform and ecotourism destination on 60 hectares of wetland near the Chinese border.

The fishponds and freshwater marsh are crisscrossed with trails and boardwalks, and dotted with bird hides and viewing platforms where you can get up close to the area’s diverse wildlife, which ranges from

On the boardwalk at the Hong Kong Wetland Park.

mudskippers to rare black-faced spoonbills.

In migration season – March-April and October-November – the bird life is impressive with thousands of water birds descending on this important migration stopover. For non-twitchers, there’s plenty to enjoy in the tranquil environment, including a riot of dragonflies and butterflies, and there’s not a car to be heard.

At the entrance is the 10,000 sqm visitor centre, a futuristic building with glass walls and a grass roof. To one side is a maze of trimmed hedges like something out of Alice in Wonderland that kids can get lost in and to the other is a series of water fountains

Thousands of water birds descend on this important migration stopover

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big day out tweet it on a lawn. Inside are various galleries with interactive exhibits, including one on tropical swamps, a film theatre, café and viewing gallery. Visitors pass through the galleries, getting a crash course in environmental awareness before reaching the wetlands.

Like all Hong Kong’s attractions, it can get busy so get there early (the park opens at 10am). Drawing the crowds this month is the Bird Watching Festival (ends March 30), with guided tours, talks, photo competitions and orienteering for children, plus thousands of migrating birds to spy on. There are fixed binoculars in the hides and viewing galleries for a closer look, but you may have to queue so take your own binoculars if you have them. Also take sunglasses, a hat, water and plenty of snacks – the only food on site is a Café de Coral. Sadly, picnicking is not permitted in the wetlands themselves.

Hong Kong Wetland Park, Wetland Park Road, Tin Shui Wai, 2708 8885, www.wetlandpark.com. Tickets $30 (children $15). Open Wed-Mon 10am-5pm; closed on Tuesdays.

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In a while, crocodile The Wetland Park’s most famous resident is Pui Pui the saltwater crocodile. The croc first hit the headlines in 2003 when it was spotted in the Shan Pui River in Yuen Long after being released illegally. An international crocodile hunter was called in (to the delight of local newspapers, which documented his increasingly frustrating attempts to trap the elusive reptile) but it was the AFCD who finally caught the crocodile in June 2004.

Pui Pui was relocated from Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Gardens to the Hong Kong Wetland Park in 2006.

Getting there Take the MTR West Rail to Tin Shui Wai then Light Rail 705 or 706 to the Wetland Park.

Parking available. Or take Citybus 967 from Admiralty bus station, which terminates at the park.

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travel Up north

Let it snow

Embrace the season in Europe’s winter wonderlands.

By Hannah Grogan.

On top of the world in the Dolomites.

Gourmet ski safari December to April is peak ski season in the mountains of northern Europe. For an active holiday with a difference, book a ski safari and spend the days schussing from valley to valley and the nights in cosy alpine inns or luxury hotels.

Ski company Dolomite Mountains Ltd is offering a range of ski safaris through Italy’s beautiful Dolomites. From four to 10 days, the safaris take in up to 12 different ski areas

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and 1,200 kilometres of pistes from pretty Alta Badia to chi-chi Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Choose a group departure or bespoke trip, with guides or self-guided. There’s even an option to ski through three countries: Italy, Switzerland and Austria.

Suited to experienced skiers, the trips are rated easy to challenging, depending on how much you want to do. Accommodation varies from simple mountain huts to five-star

hotels. A gourmet ski option includes meals at Michelin-starred restaurants.

“Ski safaris are quite unlike any ski holiday you have had before,” says company founder Agustina Lagos-Marmol. “Stay in different mountain rifugi [mountain huts] every night and enjoy lift access to hundreds of miles of prepared terrain. You may never ski the same run twice.”

Details at www.dolomitemountains.com.

City break Berlin is fun any time of year. In winter, the lakes freeze over, snow softens the harder edges of the Bauhaus architecture and the glowing cafés, restaurants and beer halls beckon with the promise of steaming hot chocolate and frothy camaraderie.

Germany’s lively capital is booming.

Stay warm by visiting its indoor attractions. There’s a multitude of museums dedicated to film, art (don’t miss the renaissance paintings at the Gemäldegalerie), history and even the city’s infamous currywurst, another must-try. For something more active, head underground for a game of minigolf in an exotic neonlit space in hip Kreuzberg (www.indoorminigolf-berlin.de) or take a spin around the many local ice rinks. Afterwards, sit by the open fire at Augustiner’s restaurant, which serves German cuisine in a Bavarian-themed interior (www.augustiner-braeu-berlin.de).

Where you stay can make or break your vacation, but you can’t go wrong at the fivestar Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin (www.kempinski.com), which offers activities for children and a heated indoor pool.

Opened in 1997, its design was inspired by the legendary Hotel Adlon, which was largely destroyed in the closing days of World War II in 1945. It’s in one of best locations in the city, opposite the famous Brandenburg Gate and a minute’s walk from the Tiergarten park, which is spectacular in the snow.

Lufthansa flies to Berlin daily from Hong Kong via Frankfurt. For tourist information, visit www.visitberlin.de.

It’s all white in Berlin.

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travel Up north

Picture perfect

Postcard-perfect Innsbruck offers plenty of snowy activities.

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Innsbruck is a storybook town perched in a high valley in the Austrian Tyrol. With grand old churches, imperial palaces, formal gardens and a picturesque riverfront lined with candy-coloured buildings, the city centre is beautiful. But it’s the mountain backdrop that really takes the breath away.

The jagged snowcapped peaks of the Nordkette rise above the old city, a gateway to more than 250km of world-class skiing reached by Zaha Hadid’s space-age funicular railway.

The nine ski areas of the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976, plus two Winter Paralympics and the 2012 Youth Winter Olympics. It’s not all black runs, slaloms and ski jumps, however, with skiing for all levels of ability and plenty of nursery slopes, ski schools and other family-friendly facilities. In summer, this is Heidi country, with cowbells chiming in alpine meadows and the hills alive with hikers, mountain bikers and other hearty pursuits. It’s enough to make you yodel.

For details, visit www.innsbruck.info.

Northern Lights The aurora borealis ranks high on bucket lists the world over. One of the best places to see the elusive northern lights is Norway, where the great green and purple blankets of light illuminate icy mountains and fjords on long winter nights from September to March.

The lights can be seen right across the country, but maximise your chances by visiting the Arctic north, from the Lofoten Islands via Tromso to the North Cape, from December to March when the weather is dry and the sky clear.

There’s no guarantee the northern lights will show themselves. The aurora typically appears for just a few minutes but sometimes for up to two hours between 6pm and 1am (for forecasts visit www.aurora-service.eu).

For the best view, avoid the full moon and bright city lights.

Hedge your bets with a Classic Round Voyage along the northern Norwegian coast with Hurtigruten Cruise (www.hurtigruten. com; from £999/about HK$12,000 for 12 days), which offers free return trips for anyone who doesn’t see the lights.

There’s more to Norway than the aurora, of course: ride a reindeer sleigh or husky sled in Finnmark, see polar bears in Spitsbergen, visit the Sami tribe in Lapland, stay in an ice hotel in Kirkenes, take a snowmobile safari or get cultural in Oslo.

Hong Kong travel agent Lightfoot Travel (www.lightfoottravel.com) can organise a tailor-made itinerary.

Norway’s northern lights and other delights.

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money & me there was nothing left. Being cash poor teaches you to be more frugal with dayto-day considerations, such as parking vs public transport or what brand of groceries to buy. You need to think about every single little purchase, which for me was quite a reality check. Extravagances such as shoe shopping or meals out took a back seat. But everything is relative. Even though I was cash poor, I still had assets. In the grand scheme of things, I still felt quite secure.

Do you prefer to manage your own affairs?

Not particularly. I prefer being financially independent but I hate taking care of my own financial affairs. Luckily, my partner takes care of people’s money for a living so he looks after all the macro investments, while my amazing accountant handles day-to-day stuff like bills, tax... I don’t know what I would do without them! They alleviate a lot of pain.

Christine Smith-Mann Money talks with the founder of Eezy Peezy Parties.

How much is in your wallet?

Right now, $50. I’m hopeless at carrying cash and am constantly being caught short without any – it stems from my days of working in Central and spending my lunch hours “window” shopping. The temptation to buy things was too great so I stopped carrying cash.

What credit cards do you use?

I use my HSBC Visa card to buy things.

However, the card I find most useful is my Citibank Visa card, which is also a selftopping Octopus – a real stress-saver. There is nothing worse than leaving a car park and not being able to get out because you haven’t topped up your Octopus. I’ve been on the receiving end of many foul looks from drivers queuing behind me.

Are you a spender or a saver?

I used to be an incorrigible shopaholic. I

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still enjoy spending, but I’ve got too many financial obligations and responsibilities now to be able to spend without guilt, which is no fun at all.

How much did you earn last year?

Nothing! Last year was financially bleak for me because I set up Eezy Peezy Parties, which required a lot of capital so everything I would have earned went towards buying party supplies and developing the website.

When were you poorest?

Last year was my poorest in recent memory.

I sacrificed my salary for two years to get Eezy Peezy Parties up and running. I’ve never set up a company that required so much capital, so it was quite a financially stressful time. I hate being in debt and would sooner pay any bill before paying myself. I was happy to take what was left after the bills were paid, but for two years

What was your best investment?

Property. I love property. My partner and I have enjoyed redeveloping a few run-down properties into investment apartments. As long as you have a long-term view, you can’t lose. I’ve been lucky to get into the market at good times and have made some decent gains, as well as having fun and flexing some creative muscle along the way. Eezy Peezy Parties is still a baby. I have exciting expansion plans that will create a valuable enterprise in the medium to long term.

What was your worst investment?

A fund that was a bit off-the-wall and quite high risk. I don’t enjoy being in a position where you’ve lost money and need to decide to get out so your loss is materialised or stay in, hoping it turns around but running the risk of losing more.

I decided to get out. I don’t have the stomach for gambling.

What was your best paid work?

Currently, my PR work with Smith-Mann Communications pays more because that business is well established and has low overheads. However, it also requires many of my own hours to personally execute the work, whereas Eezy Peezy Parties can generate a revenue without me having to physically invest the hours.

Do you have any advice on teaching children about money?

My favourite rule about children and money

I hate being in debt and would sooner pay any bill before myself is teaching them the difference between “needs” and “wants”. However, my children are not typical because they never have the desire to spend any money or, if they do, they are trying to give it away (either to me or to charity). Does that mean I’m doing a good job? I have no idea. Their “needs” are met and they rarely “want” anything. In some ways, I wish they did want to spend more because then they would learn the value of money and how to use it wisely. I’m sure that time will come.

Who is your inspiration?

Oprah Winfrey. It sounds corny, but she

came from absolutely nothing and look what she’s built. Her empire is built on a strong work ethic, a love of what she does and amazing generosity, all while inspiring and bringing joy to millions. That’s how it should be done.

How much pocket money do you give your children?

I don’t. We started giving them pocket money a few years ago but their wallets got fatter and they had no interest in spending anything. I plan to open bank accounts for them when they are in their teens.

What is the most extravagant thing you have ever bought?

An apartment for my parents. It was also a feel-good purchase and a good investment so it’s not necessarily “extravagant”.

Do you invest in stocks?

No. It’s too much like gambling. I also don’t understand the market but even if I did, I wouldn’t have the time to watch it on top of looking after three children and two businesses.

Find us on

What steps are you taking to ensure a financially comfortable retirement?

My definition of retirement is slowing down, rather than stopping. I would need to continue some work to avoid getting bored. My partner and I would like to do this sooner rather than later. Our investment properties are a big part of how we retire.

Once the mortgages are paid off, the rental income will enable us to step back from our day jobs. However, we would like to do something involving property to keep us occupied while hopefully continuing to make money. I hate the idea of relying on and whittling down a nest egg for the rest of my life. I’d still like the security of some form of income.

What would you change about the Hong Kong tax system?

I don’t think anyone in Hong Kong can really complain about the tax system. I see my family and friends in the UK struggling to make ends meet because close to half of their earnings go to the government.

It’s one of the things that makes us stay in Hong Kong.

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NI Coffee & Co. Taste, Ho Man Tin The Long Beach (LBPD) The Forest Hills

Schools / Learning Centres

Abacus Kindergarten Alison’s Letterland Anastassia’s Art House Baby Buddies • Causeway Bay • Jordan • Sheung Wan Blooming Buds Brain Child Clearwater Bay School Colour My World Discovery Bay International School Discovery Mind Kindergarten • Discovery Bay • Tung Chung Discovery College Eton House French International School Generations Christian Education German Swiss International School Hong Kong Academy International Montessori School ITS Education • Central • Mongkok Kellett School • Pok Fu Lam • Kowloon Bay Little Beetles Little Picasso Music Horizon Norwegian International School Paradigm Global Education Quarry Bay School Red Shoe Dance Studios • Central • Aberdeen Renaissance College Sai Kung English Sha Tin Junior School South Island School Spring Learning Sunshine House Pre-School • Pok Fu Lam • Tung Chung • Discovery Bay The Peak School Tutti Music • Tai Kok Tsui • Tseung Kwan O Twinkle Dance Company Woodland Preschool • Beachside • Happy Valley • Harbourside • Pok Fu Lam • Sai Kung • The Peak • Waterfall YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

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business directory. To advertise, email marketing@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772.

Children’s Toys and Supplies BIVA 2868 0444 (General Line) 2696 9218 (Stanley Shop) 2868 0408 (Happy Valley Shop) hello@biva.com.hk | www.biva.com.hk

Bumps to Babes 2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Store) 2555 6318 (Stanley Plaza Store) www.bumpstobabes.com

The Pink Smith 8193 0466 | info@thepinksmith.com.hk www.thepinksmith.com.hk

5185 0885 9189 9591 iuuokok@gmail.com www.uuokok.com

Mentorhood Learning Center

Victoria Educational Organisation

5160 1828 enquiry@mentorhood.com.hk www.mentorhood.com.hk

enquiry@victoria.edu.hk www.victoria.edu.hk

Southside Mandarin

Woodland Pre-Schools

3427 9619 | info@southsidemandarin.com www.southsidemandarin.com

2559 4855 www.woodlandschools.com

EDUCATION Berlitz Language Centre

EXTRA-CURRICULAR Brainchild Ltd. 2528 6862

2157 2211 info@berlitz.com.hk www.berlitz.com.hk

Toysclub

Bricks 4 Kids

21678474 | toysclub@hotmail.com www.itoysclub.com

2791 0007 info@bricks4kidz.hk www.bricks4kidz.hk

Capstone

2794 3668 | www.anfield.com.hk

2893 6060 2893 6067 info@capstoneprep.com www.capstoneprep.com

Bebegarten

First Code Academy

3487 2255 www.bebegarten.com

2772 2108 hello@firstcodeacademy.com www.firstcodeacademy.com

EARLY CHILDHOOD Anfield International Kindergarten

EtonHouse International Pre-School 2353 5223 | enquiry@etonhouse.com.hk www.etonhouse.com.hk

Ford Academy for Students & Teachers (FAST)

Kids Land

2976 9963 info@fordedu.com www.fordedu.com

6112 2675 | info@kidslandhk.com www.kidslandhk.com

Colour my world 2580 5028 info@colour-my-world.com www.colour-my-world.com

International Academy of Film and Television 5808 3443 Admissions@iaft.hk www.iaft.net/ss

Junior Snappers Ltd 9849 0050 juniorsnappershk@gmail.com www.juniorsnappers.com

Miles International Academy

Katterwall

3856 3070 info@milesinternational.com.hk www.milesinternational.com.hk

2575 3931 info@katterwall.com www.katterwall.com

Parkview International Pre-School PIPS Kowloon: 2812 6801 PIPS Hong Kong: 2812 6023 www.PIPS.edu.hk

Reggio Kids 2802 6636 hello@reggiokids.hk www.reggiokids.hk

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UUIA

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ITS Education Asia 2116 3916 es@itseducation.asia www.itseducation.asia

Jumpstart Mandarin Learning Centre 2791 4838 jumpstart@netvigator.com www.jumpstartmlc.com

Tutti Music 2176 4028 tuttimusic.tko@gmail.com www.tmusic.com.hk

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

TO CUT AND KEEP FOOD & BEVERAGE Apronto team@aprontoworld.com www.aprontoworld.com

South Stream Seafoods 2555 6200 fish@south-stream-seafoods.com www.south-stream-seafoods.com

Health & Wellness The Sai Kung Sessions nfo@thesaikungsessions.org rsvp@thesaikungsessions.org www.thesaikungsessions.org

Home & Interiors

The International Montessori School 2861 0339 | info@montessori.edu.hk www.montessori.edu.hk

Yew Chung International School 2336 3028 admissions@ycef.com www.ycis-hk.com

CAR MECHANICS

Entertainment ABA Productions

DOCTORS

Adrian Sing: 6030 0484 Golden Sun: 2792 2808 HP Cars: 2558 0222 Sai Kung Motors: 2792 2998 Sun On Motor Services: 2792 4280

2547 7150 Info@aba-productions.com www.aba-productions.com

Rumple and Friends www.rumpleandfriends.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HAHA Helper Network 9029 2653 admin@hahaasia.com

6744 9558 | 9732 1376 info@da-designstudio.com www.da-designstudio.com

Indigo Living Ltd. 2552 3500 | info@indigo-living.com www.indigo-living.com

International Schools Australian International School Hong Kong

GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

Government Call Centre: 1823 Health Department: 2961 8989 Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department: 2311 3731 SPCA Emergency Hotline: 2711 1000

HONG KONG OBSERVATORY

Website: www.hko.gov.hk General enquiries: 2926 8200 Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal Enquiries: 1828 200

HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD Visitor hotline: 2508 1234

OT&P General: 2155 9533 Central Health Medical: 2824 0822 International Doctors Limited: 2537 7281

HOSPITALS

9348 6884 info@hkmacs.com www.hkmacs.com

Professional Wills Limited 2561 9031 www.profwills.com

Sports & Fitness Everfine Membership Services Limited 2174 7880 | enquiry@evergolf.com.hk www.evergolf.com.hk

Public: Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan: 2595 6111 Prince of Wales, Sha Tin: 2632 2211 Queen Elizabeth, Jordan: 2958 8888 Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam: 2255 3838 Ruttonjee Hospital, Wan Chai: 2291 2000 St John's Hospital, Cheung Chau: 2981 9441 Tseung Kwan O Hospital: 2208 0111 Tuen Mun Hospital: 2468 5111 Tung Wah Eastern Hospital, Causeway Bay: 2162 6888 United Christian, Kwun Tong: 2379 9611 Private: Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, Stubbs Road: 3651 8888 Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, Kowloon Tong: 2339 8888 Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Happy Valley: 2572 0211 Matilda International Hospital, The Peak: 2849 1500 St Teresa’s Hospital, Kowloon City: 2200 3434 Union Hospital, Sha Tin: 2608 3388

POLICE DEPARTMENTS

2304 6078 | info@aishk.edu.hk www.aishk.edu.hk

Pure South – The Pulse

Canadian International School of Hong Kong

8200 0908 www.pure-yoga.com www.pure-fitness.com

2525 7088 | schoolinfo@cdnis.edu.hk www.cdnis.edu.hk

Website: www.police.gov.hk Police Hotline: 2527 7177

POST OFFICE

Website: www.hongkongpost.com General Enquiry Hotline: 2921 2222

TRANSPORT

TRAVEL

Harrow International School Hong Kong

Travelux

2824 0900 www.harrowschool.com

2526 6263 | www.travelux.hk

Hong Kong Academy

2522 9888 info@viptravelhk.com www.viptravelhk.com

2655 1111 | office@hkacademy.edu.hk www.hkacademy.edu.hk

OT&P General: 2155 9533 Central Health Medical: 2824 0822 International Doctors Limited: 2537 7281

DOCTORS

HK Macs

DA Design Studio Limited

EMERGENCY SERVICES (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 999 FIRE: 2723 2233 RESCUE: 2735 3355 MARINE: 2803 6267

VIP Travel Limited

Hong Kong International Airport General Enquiry Hotline: 2181 8888 MTR Train Service & Airport Express, 24-hour passenger hotline: 2881 8888 Urban Taxi: 2398 1881 New Territories Taxi: 2657 2267 Lantau Taxi: 2984 1328 Taxi Lost and Found 24-hour hotline: 3620 3744

UTILITIES

China Light & Power, 24-hour hotline: 2728 8333 LPG Gas: 9097 2235 Water Supplies Department Customer Services Hotline: 2824 5000

expat-parent.com

71

the bald truth of fatherhood

Talking ’Bout a Resolution (or 10) Simon Parry makes New Year’s resolutions a family affair.

1

Try to be a better person. 2. Don’t swear at the children. 3. Stop snoring. 4. Drink less. 5. Eat less curry. 6. Stop fighting with the children. 7. Break wind less often and less vigorously. 8. Learn to drive properly. 9. Spend less money on frivolous things. 10.

Appreciate the positive aspects of your spouse as well as their many niggling faults.

We can all agree that is a perfectly fair, reasonable and considered list of New Year resolutions. Why oh why, then, did my wife get all angry and shouty when I gingerly handed it to her and suggested she try one or two of them for at least the first few days of 2015?

I probably just caught her at a bad moment. She was hungover and in a bad mood after fighting with the kids and crashing the car on her way home from the Curry Hut the night before. (And she had slept badly because of her snoring and trapped wind.)

But when she reflects on it, soberly and sensibly in the cold light of a January day, I’m sure she’ll find my list of personalised New Year resolutions contains nuggets of wise counsel she would never have had the honesty to include on a list she wrote herself.

(Actually, I know that for a fact because I had a sneaky look at her scribbled list of resolutions and they went something like this: 1.

Shop more. 2. Drink more. 3. Eat more. 4. Dump that sorry excuse for a husband and go find me a real man.)

Which just goes to show it’s pointless writing our own New Year resolutions because, in the absence of intensive psychotherapy, we’re far too soft on ourselves and never commit to the life-changing resolutions we secretly know we need.

This realisation prompted me to draw up lists of New Year resolutions for everyone in the family except myself this festive season.

Obviously this requires a degree of sensitivity (which, fortunately, I have in bucket-loads) when it comes to the children, to ensure you dole out admonishment and encouragement in equal measure.

After all, you don’t want to burden children with complexes about being lazy, fat, spotty and hopeless at core subjects of the school curriculum. But, as I always tell social workers, a little bit of selfawareness about their stupidity and slovenliness and the ghastly extent of their teenage acne won’t hurt them.

So it was that on Christmas Day, surrounded by piles of wrapping paper, socks, after-shave, soaps-on-a-rope and the usual fatherly debris of the festive season, I sat down and tenderly penned a list of New Year resolutions for my youngest child (who I won’t name, to avoid embarrassing William).

By the time I’d edited it down, it came out like this. 1. Get a part-time job and stop sponging off Mum and Dad. 2. Put a bit more thought and expense into Dad’s Christmas present this year.

Inspired, I continued in a similar vein. For son number one, James: 1. Get a full-time job and stop sponging off Mum and Dad, and decide whether my voice is going to break or not because it sounds totally ridiculous right now. 2. Put a bit more thought and expense into Dad’s Christmas present this year. For daughter number two, Lauren: 1. Stay away from all boys. 2.

Put a bit more thought and expense into Dad’s Christmas present this year. And for our eldest, Georgie: 1. Stay away from all boys. 2. Put a bit more thought and expense into dad’s Christmas present this year.

My idea of writing resolutions for other members of the family was obviously inspired because it prompted them to reciprocate. Imagine my excitement when they announced that, with their mother’s help, they had drawn up a list of 2015 resolutions just for me.

It was a short, pithy list and ran to a surprisingly frank six words.

Nevertheless, the conviction and depth of feeling shone through in each loving syllable: 1. Go die in a hole. 2. Loser.

A bit of self-awareness about their stupidity and the ghastly extent of their teenage acne won’t hurt them

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expat-parent.com

Formerly the owner of dreams and a full head of hair, Simon Parry is a jaded, middle-aged journalist and father of four. He lives in Sai Kung with his wife, his children and his sense of profound disappointment.

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