Teenage Jul issue 319 (Preview) by Teenage Magazine

Jul 2015

PennyPinching Guide The Best BudgetFriendly Cafes DIY Designer Accessories

What You Need To Know About bargain hunting

BIGBANG What they’re truly [MADE] of

Vacation Jobs that pay the

most money

win tickets to the

“My boyfriend is so clingy!” “I slash my wrists and cut my thighs.”

Hot List

Jung Yonghwa, VIXX, Lilly Singh, Fifth Harmony, The Sam Willows, David Choi, Nat Wolff and more!

THE OFFICIAL YOUTH MAGAZINE OF 313@somerset

JUL 2015

ISSUE 319

www.teenage.com.sg

$3 (inc GST)

nterprIsIng e & e Iv t a v o n n Be I SE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE OO CH

Secure a Place at NYP Before Your ‘O’s!

Turn to page 85 to read about our DPA adventure story!

Through the Direct Polytechnic Admission (DPA) Exercise

Join the Polytechnic Preparatory Programme and learn through fun and exciting activities. Get into your dream course at NYP — where we nurture students to be innovative and enterprising. Get a head start for your course — be exempted from some related modules in your first year.

Applications for DPA2015 opens online at www.polytechnic.edu.sg/DPA from 26 June to 1 July.

For more details, please log on to www.nyp.edu.sg/DPA

To get more updates on the DPA and NYP, join our mailing list at www.nyp.edu.sg/web/signup or scan this QR code.

Visit us at www.nyp.edu.sg

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Email us at ReachUs@nyp.edu.sg

JULY

Contents Inside Scoop

Fashion 38 Bold Statements Striking looks to set you apart from the crowd 46 DIY Designer Accessories Chic designer goods that you can make at home 48 Make A Statement Bling up your outfit with these daring pieces 50 Major Pocket Envy Your guide to shopping on a shoestring budget 52 Clutch Control Swap those bulky totes for a roomy clutch this summer!

8 Ed’s Note 10 Your Say 74 Radar 76 Calendar 106 Astroscoop 108 Snaps

Lifestyle 12 Hot Picks 14 High-Tech, Low-Budget Gadgets that offer the best bang for your buck 16 Pocket-Friendly Eats Where to get good food at reasonable prices 20 It’s Free?! Zero-dollar apps that are worth paying for

Beauty 24 Beauty Hot Picks 26 Lip Service Tips on how to choose the right lippie shade 30 Beauty Doppelgangers The cult faves and their equally impressive drugstore dupes 34 Beauty Superheroes Multitaskers that’ll save you money, time and space in your makeup pouch 36 5 Beauty Buys Under $25 The Teenage team’s favourite beauty bargains

16 48

Be xt e n e h t ing ! g n i s ion t a s sen

NYP JAM! Does performing on stage give you a rush? Come flex your musical muscles at the NYP Jam! singing competition and stand to win attractive prizes. Go solo or gather your friends and dazzle us in a group!

Who Can Join

All secondary school students

Registration closes 15 Nov 2015 Auditions from 1 to 3 Dec 2015 Finals on 8 Jan 2016 For registration and information, log on to

www.nyp.edu.sg/nypjam

Join our mailing list at nyp.edu.sg/web/signup

Like us on fb.com/nanyangpoly

Email us at ReachUs@nyp.edu.sg

JULY

Contents

Cover Cover image courtesy of Warner Music Singapore

Celebs 53 At A Glance BIGBANG’s record-breaking numbers 54 Made It Alive How BIGBANG made it in this cutthroat industry 58 His Hips Don’t Lie The hilarious hijinks that went down during Jung Yonghwa’s One Fine Day here 60 Welcome To Utopia Why VIXX’s Live Fantasia Utopia in Singapore was utopia indeed 62 What’s In Her Combo? Lilly Singh aka IISuperwomanII answers all our burning questions 64 Eyes On The Willows Things you didn’t know about The Sam Willows 65 Stories Of David We delve deep into the mind of David Choi 66 R-E-F-L-E-C-T-I-O-N Why Fifth Harmony is a force to be reckoned with 68 Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous Meet the famously frugal and the spend-it-alls of Hollywood 70 Bright Young Thing Nat Wolff dishes on his first ever lead role in Paper Towns 72 Show Me The Money Songs that made their writers/singers filthy rich

76 Textbook

84 62

80 The Budget Challenge The Teenage team attempts scrimping on our splurging vices! 82 Balance That Budget! How to become a whiz at budgeting, pronto 84 Songs About Money Ditties waxing lyrical about the ka-ching 92 It’s All About The Money, Money, Money Vacation jobs that will get you some serious dough 94 Shoestring Romance Date ideas for the lovebirds on a budget 96 The Subject of Money Books to help you get your personal finances in order 98 Dear Kelly

NYOPVE!

GRO

Be the next dancing sensatio n!

Think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got the moves to thrill and rock an audience? Round up your friends and show off your cool steps at NYP Groove! street dance competition. Stand to win attractive prizes!

Who Can Join

All secondary school and ITE students

Registration closes 29 Nov 2015 Auditions on 4 Dec 2015 Finals on 9 Jan 2016 For registration and information, log on to

8 www.nyp.edu.sg/nypgroove

Organised by

In partnership with

Supported by

Join our mailing list at nyp.edu.sg/web/signup

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Email us at ReachUs@nyp.edu.sg

Staff Box publisher foo mei siah

The Teenage team’s

Best Bargain Buys

associate director (business development) kelen koh operations manager emmeline lee

Venetia 3.1 Phillip Lim heels for around $100 from the Club 21 Bazaar.

editorial deputy editor

Maggie

ARISSA HA senior writer (digital) Venetia Sng

Got it for 1/4 the original price online and delivered personally to my doorstep!

writers Johanna TEO, Chew Hui Ling

Johanna

interns Cara Wong, Felicia Tan, Juliette Lim

Scored a good deal (1-for-1) on the steak from Bedrock Bar & Grill using The Entertainer app.

contributors Adelene Siow, Gigi Sng, Justin Loh, Kelly Chopard, Naomi Neo, Sharon Tan

Hui Ling

art

A Fujifilm Instax Mini from my friend for $25. Plus it comes with not one, but three film packs!

creative director aris lai

advertising & marketing

Bernard

designer michelle lim

Michelle

A short getaway for half the price from Groupon.

associate business director Esmond Seah

associate business manager maggie mok

A classic Gucci wallet for only $100 at an outlet mall!

Kamille

senior business executive Bernard Lim business executive KAMILLE PANLAQUI executive AILEEN LIM marketing executive LIM Chin Yee OFFICIAL YOUTH MAGAZINE FOR

OFFICIAL PIZZA & PASTA RESTAURANT

Arissa

Got a single day walkabout ticket for F1 on Carousell (to see Maroon 5). Jason Wu Mini Miss Wu bag for $300 (down from $1,900) at the Club 21 Bazaar.

PARTNERS

editorial matters: t-ed@key-editions.com advertising & marketing enquiries: enquiry@key-editions.com subscription enquiries: subscription@key-editions.com job & internship enquiries: hr@key-editions.com Printer & Colour Separation: KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd (Business Registration No. 197801823M) 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968. Tel: 6543 2222 Fax: 6545 3333 Published By: Key Editions Pte Ltd (Business Registration No. 200005022G) 20 Bedok South Road, Singapore 469277. Tel: 6445 3313 Fax: 6445 3373 Email: info@key-editions.com Distributor: MediaCorp Pte Ltd MICA (P) 049/05/2015. Published monthly by KEY EDITIONS Pte Ltd. Copyright © is held by the publisher. All rights reserved. The publisher will not be held responsible for any infringements of copyright material in articles submitted by contributors. The views and opinions of the writers and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or publisher.

Available in selected

Unity pharmacies and health & beauty stores.

Ed's Note LOVING THIS MONTH:

Hi everyone,

Most anti-ageing products have a bad rep for being too oily, especially on younger skin. But the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve range ($63 to $94) is lightweight and absorbs quickly unlike most antiageing range. I know what you must be thinking, “Why do I need anti-ageing products at my age?” I maintain that it’s easier to retain youth than to restore it, and the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve range does just that – it’s formulated with Super 7 Complex, designed to boost radiance and delay the signs of ageing.

I met some ex-classmates recently, and like every other class gathering, it was a time

for us to recount our adventures in school.

I remembered how simple those days were – my life revolved around school and everything around the area. My day would involve school, and then hanging out at McDonald’s until it was time to go home. A student meal was pretty pricey for someone living on four bucks a day, so my classmates

and I would pool together a huge amount of fries and have that as our lunch instead. On hindsight, that

was poor financial planning, and I definitely could’ve eaten something else that was cheaper and more nutritious. Anyway, I thought it would be great for those who are on a shoestring budget like I was,

to put together a list of money-saving

ideas for everyone. Whether it’s going on budget-friendly dates (p. 94), cafehopping (p. 16) or bargain hunting (p. 50),

we’ve got suggestions for everyone who

would like to save money, without giving up their lifestyle. If you have plans to be more financially savvy, there’s also a list of recommended

books (p. 96) so that you can learn how

to manage your expenditure and plan for the future.

Cheers,

Your Say Letter of the month You guys are one word – amazing! Every month without fail, I’d drop by the nearest convenience store to grab a copy of Teenage. Every month without fail, Teenage filled me up with interesting and fun articles. Every month without fail, I’d learn new beauty tips and tricks.

Holler at us! We want to know what you think of Teenage, how our stories make a difference in your life, and where we can improve! Here’s how!

Send your letters to TEENAGE Magazine, 20 Bedok South Road Singapore 469277 or email to marketing@key-editions.com

Congratulations Joyce! Your letter has been chosen as the ‘Letter of the Month’. We hope you managed to get your copy of Teenage back from your sister.

the way) that were recommended by Teenage. Every month without fail, my sister would snatch my magazine away because Teenage, you got swag!

Every month without fail, I’d gain weight because of the countless cafes (which serve delicious food by

Love, Joyce Lee

Dear Teenage,

Good job on the June issue of Teenage! I saw it while buying drinks at the convenience store and the cover with Carly Rae Jepsen is so eye-catching, I had to buy it. I’m so glad I did because I love reading the articles inside, especially the one that teaches me how to take better pictures of my food for Instagram, as well as the recommendations on Instagram-worthy cafes. Now I have places to show off my new skills at!

I was sad that I couldn’t attend the GOT7 fan-meet in Singapore, but I’m glad that you included an interview with them in the June issue so that I could read up on what I missed out. I really hope that they will come to Singapore again so that I can watch them perform. I love the features on other artistes like Super Junior and Yoo Chun too!

This month’s ‘Letter of the Month’ wins a pair of Supra Hammer Run shoes worth $109!

I also love the beauty articles, the nail art designs featured on the ‘Sugar High’ story look so real! I’d definitely give them a try during the June holidays. Thank you Teenage! Cheers, Marie Chan

Thank you for also including the interview with Night Owl Cinematics. I think Ryan and Sylvia are very funny, and I love that you have interviewed local YouTube stars instead of focusing on foreign celebs. Can’t wait for the next issue of Teenage! Love, Wong Hui Shi

Tuckshop

Is cafe-hopping starting to blow your budget? We suss out seven of the coolest eating spots where you can get good food at modest prices, and list out what you can buy with only $25! By chew hui ling

FIX Cafe

beef and kimchi naanwich lemon curd milkshake chocolate truffle cake

Total

$ 24

$10

31 Ah Hood Road, #01-06 HomeTeamNS-JOM, Singapore 329979 Run by the folks behind Grub, FIX Cafe is a student-friendly option for those looking for a Halal-certified cafe. Situated next to a swimming pool, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the prime spot to chill out on a hot afternoon while enjoying a bite or two. Decor wise, this industrial-chic spot is all about keeping everything as raw as possible â&#x20AC;&#x201C; exposed pipes, cutlery as wall art, old tires as lampshades etc. Same goes for their menu, which is built on the premise of homemade dishes that are unique to FIX. Star items include the ever-so-popular Chicken Tikka & Achar Naanwich ($10) as well as the mini Donuts with Salted Egg Dip ($7).

Le cafe

66 Kallang Pudding Road, #01-02 Hor Kew Business Centre, Singapore 349324 The sister cafe of L’Etoile, Le Cafe is what we’d consider as an ideal hangout for the day: retro furnishings, bicycles and cotton-filled mason jars dangling on the ceiling, inspirational quotes on the wall and of course, hearty eats that won’t burn much of a hole in your pocket. You can order any of the mains – try the Le Cafe Breakfast ($9.50), Aglio Olio with Prawn ($8.50) or Fish & Chips ($9.50) – and still have plenty of ka-ching left for snacks/desserts. Rest assured – they taste as good as they look!

salmon benedict $ 8.50 $ 8.50 beef burger truffle fries $ 8 Total

$ 25

One

Man

portobello mushroom $10 burger Candied Walnuts Brioche $10 French Toast $4.50 flat white

COFFEE

Photos: Justin Loh

215R Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574349

Total

Sharing the same shophouse grounds as Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar, this hole-in-thewall cafe blends in so well that you might just blink and miss it (psst, look for a signboard in bright yellow!). Don’t be fooled by its simple interior – it offers well-priced brunch items like the Gashouse Eggs ($10), a slice of crisp toast that oozes golden goodness when cut open, and the Salted Caramel Brioche French Toast ($10), featuring fluffy brioche served with caramelised bananas and fresh cream. And as their name suggests, these guys definitely know how to whip up a good cup of joe. The Magic ($4.50) is said to have the perfect coffeeto-milk ratio, and that’s saying something!

$24.50

Beauty

Beauty Doppelgangers They say imitation is the best form of flattery – here are a list of cult beauty faves and their clones so you can decide if you should spend or splurge. By Arissa Ha

Sephora Smoothing Primer, $22

Smashbox Photofinish Primer, $65

Suitable for all skin tones, the Sephora Smoothing Primer evens out your complexion so foundation goes on like a dream. Its matte finish leaves skin looking fresh, even after a few hours.

Winner of multiple beauty awards, the Smashbox Photofinish Primer was developed to diffuse light and blur out imperfections – giving you a velvetysmooth complexion.

Splurge

Save The Body Shop Lightening Touch Concealer, $29.90

YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch, $58 The Touche Éclat is a cult favourite among makeup artists and celebs – with one sold every 10 seconds. Brush it on as a concealer to hide dark circles, or use it to highlight your brow bones.

This silver wand contains a light-diffusing liquid concealer, which covers under eye circles and fine lines perfectly. Just brush it on and dab lightly using your ring finger to blend.

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Pressed Powder, $62

Essence All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder, $5.90

Formulated to look natural and invisible even on HD cameras, the MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Pressed Powder keeps skin looking matte and flawless.

This transparent powder absorbs excess sebum and eliminates shine for a smoothlooking complexion.

Splurge

Save

NARS Orgasm Blush, $50

Sleek Blush in Rose Gold, $15, Luxola

Perhaps the most famous blusher shade ever, the NARS Orgasm is a universally flattering peachy-pink shade with gold shimmer.

Touted as one of the closest dupes of the NARS Orgasm, this highly pigmented blush offers a similar peachy flush with a more intense gold sheen.

Benefit Posietint, $51

Etude House Fresh Cherry, $12.90

The Benefit Posietint gives lips and cheeks a long-lasting poppy pink hue. Dab lightly for see-through rosiness or layer on for more intense colour.

The creamy texture of the Etude House Fresh Cherry tint is perfect for creating gradient lips. The tint is so hardy, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll last through an oily plate of chicken rice.

Beauty Blender, $30 Praised for its ability to give skin an airbrushed finish with no streaking, the Beauty Blender is touted as the holy grail of makeup sponges. For use when wet, the Beauty Blender holds the ideal amount of moisture for optimum makeup application.

Essence Makeup Sponge, $7.90 This egg-shaped makeup sponge can be used dry or moist. The rounded base is ideal for applying foundation on the forehead, cheeks and chin, while the pointed end is great for the side of the nose and undereye areas.

Fashion

Beauty Buys 5 under $25 Newsflash: some of the best products can actually be found for a bargain! Here are some Teenage-approved beauty faves that we absolutely can’t live without. Arissa Ha, Deputy Editor What could be more eye-catching

Venetia Sng, Senior Writer

(lol) than the classic winged eye look? It may seem tough to pull off, but Maybelline’s HyperSharp Wing Liner ($23.90) can help you achieve the effortless cat eye at a flick of the wrist. This liquid liner comes equipped with a duo-thickness brush to create meticulous strokes or bold dramatic lines at your pleasure. Plus it’s fully waterproof and has a long-wearing finish so you can be sure it won’t budge for up to 24 hours. Not too shabby yeah?

Fun fact: a girl can apply lip balm up to 30 times per day, which makes it all the more important to keep a good lip-saving product handy. We swear by the good ol’ Vaseline Lip Therapy ($4) for its reliable formula. Made with triple-purified petroleum jelly, this cult favourite heals chapped lips while keeping your pucker hydrated throughout the day. You’ll not get the delicious flavour or rosy frost that you’d expect from its counterparts, but you’ll reap the full moisturising benefits of this treatment.

Kamille Panlaqui, Business Executive

The Catrice Re-Touch LightReflecting Concealer ($7.90) is our go-to for combating dull complexion and those dreaded panda eyes. Packed with light-reflecting pigments and moisturising ingredients, this lightweight concealer is great for mid-day touch-ups and has a medium coverage that hides small imperfections naturally. It functions as a twist-pen so application is easy, and it also can be used as a foundation in a pinch.

Johanna Teo, Writer

If your routine nail parlour visits is draining you of your precious dollars, consider being your own manicurist at home instead! We love the Etude House Enamel Ting Gel Nail ($9.90, available in 35 shades) for its quick, high-shine, and practically bulletproof formula. You’ll have to purchase the LED gel lamp ($99), gel nail cleanser and gel nail remover (both $5.90) for the complete experience, but we think it’ll still be worth the money.

TEXT: Chew Hui Ling

Maggie Mok, Associate Business Manager

For flawless Cara Delevingne brows on a dime, look no further than the Kate Eyebrow Pencil N ($11.50, available in seven shades). Boasting a superfine 1.5mm tip, this drugstore must-have is designed to create ultra-precise lines to the outer ends of your brows. It glides on smoothly and easily, outlining your brow shape for a natural-looking, defined arc.

Gorgeous You! Social Challenge

Teenage is searching for the next online personality! If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re creative, and have the potential to influence millions through vlogging, blogging or other social media platforms, we want you to join! Open to youths aged between 16 and 25 years of age.

Prizes Winner: $1,500 worth of cash and prizes 1st Runner-up: $1,000 worth of cash and prizes 2nd Runner-up: $800 worth of cash and prizes Organiser

Official Mall

SPONSORS

Supporting Partner

Textbook

Balance

That Budget We know, setting a budget might not sound like the most exciting thing to do the world, but you’ll thank us later when you feel those purse strings loosen. By Chew Hui Ling

Where exactly does your money go? Many of us don’t have the habit of monitoring our expenses, and only come to regret it when we feel the pinch. Apps like Mint, LearnVest and SimpleTrack will help to keep your budget in check and give tips on how to curb your spending habits. If you’re not into tech tools, another nifty way is to collect all your receipts and review your spending after every week.

NEEDS VS WANTS

WHY VS HOW

When creating a budget, it’s only reasonable to crack your brain for as many money-cutting ideas as possible, right? On the contrary, those who focus more on why they want to save instead of how they plan to save, are more likely to succeed. Always keep in mind the reason why you wanted to set aside money – say, saving up for that vacation you’ve long dreamed of – and work towards it.

Do you seriously need that double-shot espresso to perk you up for class, or is it because that cute barista’s on shift during your break? You don’t have to sacrifice your little luxuries, but you can always opt for a healthier alternative. Case in point: instead of $6 coffee, make yourself a cup of green tea at home. As much as it sucks at that moment, you’ll sock away plenty of dough in the long run.

GET YOUR GAME ON

Living on a budget is about as much fun as reading an encyclopedia, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to make it interesting. Buddy up with a pal who’s also on a budget, to see who can sell off their pre-loved threads for the most bucks, or who can collect the most onedollar coins in a jar after a month. For the hardcore, try beating us at our supertough budget challenge on page 80!

Photo: getty images

TRACK THE TRENDS

“Money, like emotions, is something you must control to keep your life on the right track.” – Natasha Munson, motivational speaker and life coach

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

One common mistake every ‘budget-shopper’ does is to buy things on the cheap (which we bet will fall apart in less than three months). When making a purchase, always consider the value instead of the price. For example, buy a cheap pair of shoes, and you’ll have to keep substituting it with new ones. So why not invest your hard-earned bucks on a decent pair of shoes that’s made to last and well worth your money?

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

CHEAT DAY

It certainly feels good seeing your bank balance creep up, but be careful not to go overboard with the hoarding. Money is power, and sooner or later you’ll be so obsessed with reaching your goal that you start giving up things you enjoy and going against your own principles. It’s great that you’re saving up for your future, but it’s just as important that you live life in the present.

It’s totally okay to indulge in a guilty pleasure once in a while, as long as you don’t splash your cash all at once. After all, who wants to hide at home and survive on cup noodles every day? It’s always nice to have something to look forward to instead of driving yourself insane, plus it motivates you to stick to the plan. So go ahead and give yourself a little treat!

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS

Sorry Ed Sheeran, sometimes it’s the best things in life that come free to us. This sounds like a no-brainer, but when you recall your most memorable milestones in life, chances are these moments have very little to do with money. So instead of finding temporary bliss in material purchases that will cost you an arm and a leg, spend the time acquiring new experiences and hanging out with the people you love.

DearKelly Dear readers, A few times over the years, I have

encouraged you to write and say nice things to the people who make your life special, including your parents, relatives, friends, teachers, even the people who style your hair, tailor your clothes or even your maid. I do this because, as a writer, I have been asked to write eulogies. This is so sad as the person praised is no longer with us. What’s the point of the glowing praise, heartfelt thanks and great admiration when the person lies dead and can’t enjoy the accolades?

I made myself a promise – pay a tribute when my praises can be read and heard.

Not long ago, a much-loved principal passed away. We know he was held in high esteem because many former students got together to take up a full-page tribute in the obituary section of The Straits Times to record their deep respect and appreciation for their former principal.

I read their glowing tributes but was sadden that the one being honoured was no longer with us and so was unable to appreciate what he meant to his students. Wouldn’t it be

wonderful if we can encourage people to record their tributes to people who touch their lives when they are alive and can enjoy the accolades? Recently, my sister and brother-inlaw celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and I paid tribute to them in print. This was read by family, colleagues and friends. This wasn’t easy to accomplish as I live in Singapore and they live in Sydney but with the help of my sister Maxine, my niece Natalie and Marist Brother David, the tribute was successfully accomplished. My sister Tania and brother-in-law John were surprised and delighted to be thus congratulated.

Yes, we must express our feelings when our tributes can make an impact on the ones closest to us.

For a special lady – Aunty Winnie

Readers, I am including one other tribute that could act as samples for you to follow. You can pay tribute to special people in your life on their birthday, anniversary, when they win an award, are successful at something, when someone does something special for you, or when anyone touches your life in a special way. For my

DOLL (Mum) ♥ You were there for me when I was

a child. Patiently teaching me to read, draw and make simple meals. ♥ You taught me my prayers and encouraged me to write. Offering interesting words, phrases, idioms and proverbs. ♥ I call you DOLL because you looked like a doll. And friends said you were too young to be a mum. ♥ So DOLL you became to all my friends who love you too – they still tell me they do… ♥ You are fondly remembered by

visitors to Carlton Avenue.

♥ Many say you were a mum and a

friend to them – Priests, orphans, students, neighbours, children from dysfunctional families popped in anytime day or night… ♥ Some even stayed overnight, confident they would get a loving welcome and a warm meal.

You are much admired ★ By me You are held in high esteem ★ By me You are giving, loving, patient and honoured ★ By me Your cooking and sewing skills are appreciated ★ By me Your kindness and exemplary behaviour is celebrated ★ By me A special prayer for your good health is offered ★ By me Kelly (2015)

♥ Thank you for being there for anyone in need. You are a special person indeed. May God bless you for who you are my DOLL (Mum). With Love from eldest child – Kelly 2015

Always here for you.

Do you have a problem you wish to share? Something to get off your chest? Kelly’s responses take into account age, experience and needs of writers. Those writing in know and seek her tough love, nononsense approach. Readers wanting a different type of response should seek advice elsewhere. Older and more experienced readers knowing the answers to questions need to exercise patience. Not everyone knows what you know. After qualifying as a teacher, Kelly Chopard went on to attend several counselling courses. Over the past 30 years, she has been invited to sit on panels and discussion groups, give talks and has taught modules dealing with youth issues. She counsels primary and secondary school pupils. She also engages in parent-pupil counselling sessions. In the 1970s, she was a member of a People’s Association Team counselling young adults in areas like drugs, smoking and other health and social issues. From 1979 to 1983 she had a counselling column in a local woman’s magazine. Since 1996 she has been responding to Teenage readers in her Dear Kelly column.

important When writing to me through mail, state your Full Name, Age, I.C. No.,Telephone No., Gender and Pseudonym. There is no length restriction. Send your letters to: Dear Kelly, Teenage Magazine, 20 Bedok South Road Singapore 469277. Letters will be treated with the strictest confidence. I cannot respond to requests for personal responses.

Blackmailed by classmate Hello Kelly, the other day my classmate dared me to steal money from another classmate’s bag. He threatened to beat me up if I didn’t steal and give him the money. I stole a two-dollar note. He gave me 50 cents and kept the rest. I know he has been stealing small amounts from classmates since Secondary 1. I am terrified and ashamed. Now, I am involved in petty theft (I looked up the word in the dictionary). I have never done anything wrong in my life before.

The problem is, he is now blackmailing me. He is demanding I give him money every week or he threatens to tell our teacher. I am not rich so I have to steal money from my family because I am terrified he will betray me. What if my family finds out? We are a loving close-knit family and it would really upset my parents if this gets out.

I have thought of running away from home. But I don’t know where to go and how I will live on my own. I am in Secondary 2 in an all-boys school with strict rules. I am so miserable. Please help me, Kelly. I don’t want to steal ever again. Thanks a lot. From: Terrified

Kelly: Oh dear, this is an awful position to be in. Now you are in his clutches. In the first place, why would you be hanging out with a thief? See, he led you astray and threatened you. You should not be associating with such a person. No running away from home. This will not solve anything.

Next, tell your understanding parents that they must visit the school authorities and reveal everything that happened. I am sure the adults involved will save you from the bullying thief. Sometimes kids are unable to make right decisions especially when threatened.

This guy is the proverbial bad-hat you read about in storybooks. There is only one option. Since you and your parents have a good relationship, I want you tell them exactly what happened. Explain that he threatened to beat you up. Admit you made a bad decision. Make it clear you’ll never do it again. They will understand. Telling the truth takes great courage and they will appreciate that you confessed what happened.

You are never to speak to this vile thief and blackmailer again.

If he threatens you, march to the principal’s office and make a complaint. Ask to be put in another class so you won’t see him all day long. You must make new friends. I am pleased you decided to write to me instead of running away from home. A wise decision indeed.

Snaps

#Perksofthejob

Rubbing shoulders with celebs wasn’t in the job description, but it’s not like anyone’s complaining.

Live, eat and BREATHE Teenage Work never stops at Teenage magazine, but when you love your job, it feels like hanging out with a bunch of friends instead of working.

The chairs we use are obviously invisible. Off the screen and into reality!

OT-nights must haves: Fast-food + random movie. #NewTraditions

You can’t sit with us... ... actually you can, but on Wednesdays, we wear black – unless you’re Arissa. She wears black every day.

Photo shoot madness

The amount of work that goes behind each shoot.

Does this look like a levitating paint bucket to you?

Because Snapchat.

Don’t... eat... your... lipstick.

Stockist • Accessorize, 2 Orchard Turn ION Orchard B2-12/13 Singapore 238801 • Bershka, 2 Orchard Turn ION Orchard B2-09/10/11 Singapore 238801 • Charles & Keith, 391 Orchard Road Takashimaya Shopping Centre Ngee Ann City B2-12/14, Singapore 238872 • Forever 21, 160 Orchard Rd 313@Somerset #01-10/11/12/13, #02-16/17/18/19/20/21, #03-16/17/18/19/20/21 Singapore 238895 • Crayon, 80 Haji Lane Singapore 189271 • H&M, 1 Grange Road Orchard Building Singapore 239693 • Indiesin x The Blackground, 200 Victoria Street Bugis Junction #03-12C Singapore 188021 • i.t, 200 Victoria Street Bugis Junction #02-11 Singapore 188021 • Modparade, 68 Haji Lane Singapore 189258 • New Look, 160 Orchard Rd 313@Somerset #B2-34/37 Singapore 238895 • Pescados, 8 Grange Road Cathay Cineleisure Orchard #03-04A Singapore 239695 • Pull and Bear, 2 Orchard Turn ION Orchard B2-08 Singapore 238801 • Sup, 34 Haji Lane Singapore 189227 • The Editor’s Market, 8 Grange Road Cathay Cineleisure Orchard #03-06A Singapore 239695 • Topman, 200 Victoria Street Bugis Junction #02-12S Singapore 188021 • Zara, 2 Orchard Turn ION Orchard B2-03 Singapore 238801

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