April 2017

HOMES • FAMILY • ARTS • FOOD • TRAVEL • FASHION • HEALTH • BEAUTY

APR 2017

SINGAPORE

Champagne Brunches 10 BEST (cheers!)

tylish

Picks for your Kitchen & Bathroom

Get Healthier, Brighter Skin Phenomenal Facials: Myanmar to the Middle East Travellers’ Tales:

It’s Back! Photo Competition 2017 (plus, we want to see your videos!) p.96

EDITOR’SNOTE

I’ve been writing an online piece about career guidance that has been fairly relevant for where my daughters are “at” at the moment, and it’s brought up some old thoughts too. We generally grow up thinking our path in life will be fairly straightforward, but the reality is that most of us will have several “starts” – and apparently we will all have at least seven career changes. Amongst our team we have some very interesting backgrounds – political speech writer and historian are two that spring to mind. Not many people know exactly what they want to do in life, and even if they do for a while, their wants can change. As we are allowed to change our minds, we are also (luckily) allowed to change direction. Obviously, a change has to come with a good alternative, and plenty of attention to detail. The older you get and the more responsibilities you have, the more important it becomes not to jump ship without a “floatie”. Timing has to be factored in – we can have a plan but things will always happen in the “right” time; pushing things (not to be confused with trying) will not necessarily get us to where we need to be. And if we rush it, we could miss some vital details and learning that we need to succeed. This is pretty difficult for most of us, but for teenagers it’s even more alien. In this issue, we talk to a few more people about their life paths and how they ended up where they are today. I love

REBECCA BISSET Editor-in-Chief

hearing their stories in our home showcases and the other sections of the mag. Hope you enjoy them too, and that they help you with your own story!

facebook.com/expatlivingSG

twitter.com/expatlivingSG

pinterest.com/expatlivingSG instagram.com/expatlivingSG

Creativa Images | Shutterstock.com

8

APRIL2017

Editor-in-Chief REBECCA BISSET

Group Editor SHAMUS SILLAR Creative Projects Director, Fashion & Beauty Editor SUSANNAH JAFFER Editors HOME & PROPERTY: AMY BROOK-PARTRIDGE LIFE & FAMILY: KATIE ROBERTS ARTS & LEISURE, WINE & DINE, HEALTH: AMY GREENBURG Copy Editors VERNE MAREE | PIP HARRY Online Editor EMILY FINCH Junior Editors LINDSAY YAP | ANTHIA CHNG IT & Web Support RENE YUTIAMPO Client Services & Production LEANDA RATHMELL | LIANA TALIB | NUR HANANI KAMAL LUDDIN Senior Graphic Designers MICHAEL BERNABE | BEATRICE NG | JEANNE WONG Circulation & Administration ANNA TSERLINGAS | GRACE BANTARAN | SITI SHAHIRAH KHIRUDEEN Marketing & Business Development VEENA GILL Advertising Sales, Singapore KARIN GALLEY-DICK | DANIELLE ROSSETTI | LARA SAGE | JACQUI YOUNG

Partnerships & Events SUSAN KNUDSEN-PICKLES Executive Producer, Video Content MELINDA MURPHY Chief Operations Officer COLIN PURCHASE Contributing Writers KIM FORRESTER | HARSHARAN KAUR

Contributing Photographers KEN TAN (WITHINIMAGES.COM)

CONTACT US General Enquiries: +65 6812 1780 | info@expatliving.sg Advertising Sales: +65 6812 1781 | sales@expatliving.sg Subscription: +65 6812 1783 | subscription@expatliving.sg Production: +65 6812 1787 | production@expatliving.sg Editorial & Media Releases: editorial@expatliving.sg Calendar of Events: calendar@expatliving.sg Events: events@expatliving.sg Websites: expatliving.sg | expatliving.hk I exmag.sg Printed by Ho Printing Singapore Pte Ltd (hoprinting.com) Published by Expat Living Publications Pte Ltd 18 Howard Road, #08-10 Novelty Bizcentre, Singapore 369585

Danish Design (danishdesignco.com.sg)

10

APRIL2017

CONTENTS

NEWS 18 News Headlines 20 Calendar Updates: 28 Readers’ Letters 30 EL Forum: HOME & PROPERTY 34 News 38 Real Homes:

51

Luxurious simplicity in Sentosa

Events happening around town

What’s online and events this month

Nosing around a bright Newton-based condo

46 How To:

Create stunning Easter floral arrangements

51 Real Homes:

Why Natalie Drummond adores her Sentosa penthouse

59 Chic Teak:

Reasons to love teak tables, chairs and more

60 Product News:

A look at a hip new furniture range

62 Real Homes:

Riona Bonnet-Israni walks us through her Orchard apartment

69 Inside Story:

We profile some popular serviced residences

75 Editor’s Picks:

Chic products to spruce up your kitchen and bathroom

86 Street Talk:

Life on McNair Road

ARTS & LEISURE 96 Photo Competition 2017:

There are great prizes to be won, so send us your entries (including videos!)

75

98 On the Wall:

Stylish additions to your kitchen

What’s on in the art scene

100 On the Stage:

The latest in live music, dance and theatre

102 On the Screen:

Cinema and television highlights of the month

104 On the Page:

Recent book releases

12

APRIL2017

CONTENTS

LIFE & FAMILY 108 News 114 Noticeboard:

New birth announcements, plus pets for adoption

116 Out & About:

Perfect product picks for a day with the kids 120 Education Focus: Is home-schooling for you? 125 Best of British 2017: All about this year’s celebrations 126 Better Safe than Sorry: Insurance coverage options for every life stage 128 Giving Your Time:

Where you can volunteer in Singapore

130 Natural High:

Why contact with nature uplifts us

132 Social Photos:

Were you snapped at these fun events?

WINE & DINE 145 News 152 Bar Tab:

New nightspots to check out now

154 Global Tradition:

Traditional Easter foods from around the world 156 Egg-citing Recipes: All with an Easter theme 159 Champagne Brunches: Clink, clink! Our pick of the best 172 Recipe Corner: Nutritious and yummy meal ideas 174 From Farm to Fork:

159 Top spots

for a bubbly brunch

196 Magical

moments in the Middle East

Meet the head chef of a new Seletar eatery

TRAVEL 180 News 184 Myanmar with Kids:

A family-friendly jaunt in one Asia’s most fascinating countries

192 Villa Vacations:

Three tempting overseas options for your next group stay

196 Shifting Sands:

Discovering the delights of Dubai and beyond

14

APRIL2017

CONTENTS

Nikki Hunt on finding inspiration and managing her work-life balance 206

206 Self-taught Sensation: Meet the designer who turned her passion into an award- winning company FASHION 212 News 214 Multi-label Heaven: A peek at Willow & Huxley’s new boutique 216 Active Agenda: Our selection of the hottest new active-wear BEAUTY 224 News 226 Pedi Perfection: Expert tips on getting beautiful feet 228 Gym Beauty: Stash these easy-to-use products in your gym bag 230 Better Skin, Now: Pick from one of these targeted facial treatments HEALTH & FITNESS 238 News 240 Health Matters: How far can we trust health websites? 242 Taking that Shot: Why adults need vaccinations, too 246 Toothy Truths: The mouth-body connection 252 Haemorrhoid Helpline: Everything you need to know about the condition 252 Stretching 101:

228 Don’t miss out on our active-wear style update!

REGULARS 259 Numbers & Websites 260 Horoscopes for April

262 Advertiser List 264 Parting Shot: The TripAdvisor effect

A step-by-step guide through our yoga move of the month

facebook.com/expatlivingSG

twitter.com/expatlivingSG

pinterest.com/expatlivingSG instagram.com/expatlivingSG

16

APRIL2017

NEWS

Look out for special trails, tours, open houses and performances all over the island during the annual Singapore Heritage Festival from 28 April to 14 May. It’s your chance to get to know more about Singapore and its vibrant cultural heritage, and this year visitors will gain access to previously unexplored or inaccessible spaces, including the nooks and crannies of historic districts such as Bukit Pasoh. Check Facebook or heritagefest.sg for details. Hello, Heritage

Material in Focus The new exhibition a t P e a r l L am G a l l e r i e s , M a t e r i a l i s e d Condition , features t h e w o r k s o f talented artists including Chun Kwa ng Young , Leonardo Drew, Dale Frank, Jason Ma r t i n , G a t o t Pujiarto, Ren Ri and Yinka Shonibare.

Baby Boom! Something in the water, perhaps? There were over 600 animal births and hatchings across Jurong Bird Park, the Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo in 2016, and many of these new arrivals were threatened Southeast Asian species such as the Sunda pangolin, the painted terrapin, the proboscis monkey and the black-winged starling (plus some cute elephants and cheetahs, too). Each park has a commitment to the protection and conservation of biodiversity in Singapore and the region. wrs.com.sg

Taking the physical qualities of painting, sculpture and installation works as a starting point, the exhibition seeks to uncover the sentiments behind the material choices of each artist. Until 14 May. 15 Dempsey Road, #01-08. pearllam.com

18

APRIL2017

CALENDAR

SHOPPING & FAIRS

Electric Run Recharged Singapore (22 APR)

Singapore Yacht Show (6-9 APR)

Run, walk and dance the night away with friends and family at this seriously fun run. Enjoy differently themed party zones at each kilometre mark, and rock along with a live DJ at the finish line. Marina Barrage. electricrun.sg MetaSprint Series Triathlon (23 APR) The triathlon component of Singapore’s biggest multi-sport series is on this month, with fun and friendly competition suited to various fitness levels and all ages. Have a crack at the race yourself, or join the cheering spectators. Angsana Green, East Coast Park. metasprintseries.com

Get up close to some of the world’s most luxurious and extravagant yachts and catamarans at the Singapore Yacht Show. There’ll be everything from glamorous fashion shows to on-water demonstrations to keep you entertained. ONE°15 Marina. singaporeyachtshow.com Pet Expo 2017 (14-16 APR) Take the family along to find all kinds of accessories and products for your treasured pet. Animal lovers can attend talks on responsible pet ownership as well as take part in a variety of hands-on workshops and demonstrations. Singapore Expo Hall 7. petexposg.com SPORTS & FITNESS OUE Singapore Open 2017 (11-16 APR) Catch some of the world’s top badminton shuttlers in the OUE Singapore Open. Among the talent will be top-seeded players Simon Santoso, Kento Momota and Lee Chong Wei. Singapore Indoor Stadium. Tickets from Apactix or the Sports Hub website. 2017 HSBC Singapore Rugby 7s (15-16 APR) Enjoy a weekend of world-class sport and family-friendly fun, with rugby action galore, and music from DJs and local bands. The stadium has alcohol-free family zones and a kids’ drop-off zone where little ones will be looked after by professional child-minders. National Stadium. Tickets from the Sports Hub website.

20

APRIL2017

CALENDAR

DANCE, DRAMA & THEATRE

Dinner with Friends (22-23 APRIL)

A Peter Rabbit Tale (UNTIL 14 APR)

FAMILY Informational Coffee Mornings at SAS (13, 27 APR & 4, 18 MAY) Drop by the Singapore American School this month and next for a series of coffee mornings to find out more about the school’s vision, its preschool programme, Chinese language immersion and college counselling. After the talks, take a personalised tour of the school. RSVPs required. Singapore American School. sas.edu.sg/coffeeday and witty performances explore the complexities of relationships and friendships. Grassroots Club Auditorium, 190 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8. Tickets from Sistic. Dinner with Friends is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Donald Margulies that tells the story of two couples, Gabe and Karen and Tom and Beth. The captivating

Join Peter the rabbit as he goes on a musical adventure to new places with new faces. Learn the importance of family and cherishing your loved ones. KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT. Tickets from Sistic. Boys in the Band (8 APR) Groove along to the world’s greatest hits with Boys in the Band, as they belt out 50 years worth of huge tunes, including “Can’t Buy Me Love”, “Hey Jude”, “Imagine”, “ABC”, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and other great numbers. Grand Theatre, MasterCard Theatres. Tickets from Sistic. Fifth Harmony Live in Singapore (8 APR) Pop powerhouse group Fifth Harmony hits Singapore for the first time this month, and fans can look forward to powerful vocals on songs including “Work from Home” and “That’s My Girl” from their new album 7/27. The Star Theatre, 1 Vista Exchange Green. Tickets from Sistic. Picnic Suite (16 APR) Award-winning local musicians Roberto Alvarez (flute) and Kevin Loh (classical guitar) feature in this concert of diverse pieces by composers from Romania to Latin America. It will include the Singaporean premiere of Picnic Suite by French composer Claude Bolling. Esplanade Recital Studio. Tickets from Sistic. La Cage Aux Folles (19 APR – 13 MAY) Wild Rice is bringing its production of the Broadway hit La Cage Aux Folles back to the Singapore stage, with a star-studded cast led by Ivan Heng. It tells the story of a family’s struggle to stay together and stay true to themselves. Victoria Theatre. Tickets from Sistic.

EtonHouse Open House (22 APR)

Visit various EtonHouse International School campuses and selected preschool campuses this April, in a series of Open House days. You’ll have the chance to explore the facilities and find out more about the school’s IB, IGCSE and bilingual programmes. Enjoy exclusive discounts on registration fees when you RSVP online. Multiple campuses. etonhouse.com.sg Poultry Tales (29 APR – 14 MAY) Little ones will love this fun and interactive musical production about feathered friends in a farmyard. Laugh along at their wacky antics and learn some valuable life lessons at the same time. Drama Centre Theatre, National Library. Tickets from Sistic.

22

APRIL2017

CALENDAR

ARTS How Loneliness Goes (UNTIL 12 APR) A solo exhibition by photographer

the child wizard, along with movie memorabilia and collectibles from around the world. Singapore Philatelic Museum. spm.org.sg Affordable Art Fair Spring 2017 (7-9 APR) Admire and purchase contemporary artworks at the upcoming Affordable Art Fair as it returns for its fourth edition. Browse local and international galleries that offer a diverse range of artwork ranging from $100 to $15,000. F1 Pit Building. affordableartfair.com/fairs/ singapore

Nguan, How Loneliness Goes comprises a series of photographs using Singapore’s architecture to portray urban isolation. It was first presented as a highlight at the 2015 M1 Singapore Fringe Festival. FOST Gallery, #01-02 Gillman Barracks, 1 Lock Road. fostgallery.com Anatomy of a Free Mind (UNTIL 23 APR) Don’t miss this exhibition that features over 100 works by multi-disciplinary artist Tan Swie Hian, including paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, seal carvings, photographs, lithographs, multimedia performances and original writings. National Library Gallery, Level 10. nlb.gov.sg Collecting Magic: From Stamps to Wands (UNTIL 30 JUN) Get those little Harry Potter fans excited at this magical exhibition, as they feast their eyes on beautiful stamps featuring

Affordable Art Fair

AWA Fashion Show

SOCIAL AWA Fashion Show – Glamour by the Bay (21 APR) Gather your friends for an afternoon of fashion, delicious food, wine, shopping, lucky draw prizes and more at the annual AWA Fashion Show. Watch the catwalk as AWA members model stunning clothing and accessories for all occasions. Parkroyal on Beach Road. awasingapore.org Glorious & Free Gala (22 APR) Organised by the Canadian Association of Singapore, the Glorious & Free Gala is an evening of fun and fine food to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. The Westin. canadians.org.sg

Collecting Magic: From Stamps to Wands

24

APRIL2017

CALENDAR

The CRIB Ball – The Empress’s Journey (3 MAY) Celebrate strong women, inspirational stories and the entrepreneurial spirit at the CRIB Society’s second annual gala dinner. Enjoy a delectable formal dinner, both a silent and a live auction of luxury goods, and various performances. A portion of funds raised will go to EmancipAction, an international non-profit organisation that works to combat child sex trafficking. Shangri-La Hotel, 22 Orange Grove Road. Tickets from Peatix. ExtravagANZA! (13 MAY) Don’t miss the 2017 ANZA Black Tie Ball, ExtravagANZA! this May. More than just a night of fun and glamour, it’s one of the year’s most important fundraising events, with proceeds going to supporting Melrose Children’s Home. Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road. anza.org.sg Runninghour 2017 (13 MAY) Do your part to promote an inclusive society by taking part in Runninghour 2017. In this unique event, you’ll compete alongside runners with special needs. You can opt to do either a 5km or 10km blindfolded run, or a 3.5km route where the blindfold is optional. Free entry for people with special needs. Bedok Reservoir. runninghour.com Village People (18-19 MAY) Rock along to timeless 70s and 80s hits when the American disco group Village People comes to Singapore. Enjoy old

in this brand-new musical. Join Geronimo on a great adventure as he tries to save the Queen of the Fairies. MES Theatre at Mediacorp. Tickets from Sistic. Russell Howard – Round the World (28 MAY) Get ready for some riotous laughter when one of UK’s most successful comedians, Russell Howard, visits Singapore for the first time, as part of a world tour that’s taking in a whopping 11 countries across three continents. Kallang Theatre. Tickets from Sistic.

favourites such as “Macho Man”, “In the Navy” and “Can’t Stop the Music”, and break out those famous hand signs during “YMCA”. Special guests Björn Again will be running through a host of ABBA hits. Sands Theatre, MasterCard Theatres. Tickets from Sistic. The Tiger Who Came to Tea (19-21 MAY) Following its successful run in London, The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns to Asia. This family show is packed with singalongs and clumsy antics that will have you and your kids well-entertained. SOTA Drama Theatre. Tickets from Sistic.

FitnessFest 2017 (20-21 MAY)

Get ready for FitnessFest 2017, where you can try out a selection of workouts including HIIT boot camps, yoga, Pilates, spin, CrossFit, boxing, barre, parkour and more. These will be led by celebrity fitness instructors and professionals such as Cassey Ho of Blogilates. Bayfront Event Space, next to Marina Bay Sands Exhibition Centre. fitnessfest.sg Geronimo Stilton Live in the Kingdom of Fantasy (26-28 MAY) Popular children’s book hero Geronimo Stilton will come to life on stage in May

Sting Tour – Live in Singapore (28 MAY) Superstar singer-songwriter Sting will be performing live in Singapore this May, joined by drummer Josh Freese and guitarists Dominic Miller and Rufus Miller. Hear all the hits from his newly released studio album, 57th & 9th , not to mention some classic older numbers. Singapore Indoor Stadium. Tickets from the Sports Hub website.

: www.expatliving.sg

For even more things to do every week, go to our online calendar or sign up for our newsletter

26

APRIL2017

LETTERS

TRAVEL

Best Letter We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts on the magazine, or on any subject under the sun. In appreciation of her wise words on food safety, we’ll be delivering a bottle of champagne to June Lee .

TAKINGOFF IN TURKEY SARAHRICHARD travels to theotherendofAsia tofindout if the rumour is true – thatCappadocia isTurkey’smostbeautiful asset.

T urkey ismy “country crush”. It all started some years ago when I booked myself a one-way ticket to Fethiye in SouthernTurkey tocomplete my Divemaster qualification. I basically knew nothing about the region, other thanGoogle tellingme itwas one of the cheapestplaces inwhich todo this kind of course. Naively, I thought I would complete my training and leave, continuing on to my dream career of diving around the world.ButTurkeyhadadifferent idea– it capturedme on the first day and I have

since spent years going back and forth, each time the love affairdeepening. Despite this, Ialwaysknew thebestwas yet to come after being told of amagical place called Cappadocia, described as “the land of the fairy chimneys” (for its stunning rock formations)where hot air balloons cover the sky from 5am each day. I’d seen the pictures: not just of the balloons, but also of the houses that looked like caves, and of Turkish feasts set onbalconies overlooking it all.None of it looked real. Itwas onlywhen I arrived theremyself andheldmycamerauptotheviewfrommy

hotel that Icouldconfirm thatCappadocia was, infact,evenmorebeautiful intheflesh. Thepicturesdid it absolutelyno justice. Still,weallknow that somethingworth havingdoesn’t come easily. Inmy case, it was theseeminglyeasy flight from Istanbul to Kayseri,whichwas only supposed to takeonehour;mine tookseven.Ourhotel receptionist smiledwhenwe rushed into the lobby somanyhours late,apologising thatwehadn’tbeen there at the arranged time for our driver to pick us up. “Don’t worry,” came the reply. “No one has ever arrived inCappadocia on time;we knew youwouldn’t either.”

230

231

SEPTEMBER2016

SEPTEMBER2016

TALKING TURKEY I love everything about Expat Living , but the travel articles have just got to be my favourite part. When I’m feeling down, I dip into my collection for some armchair travelling, which never fails to put me into a good mood. You can tell that the stories are genuine, because they also include the glitches like delayed flights, bad weather or sick children that are part of real-life travel. For example, Sarah Richard’s article “Taking off in Turkey”, in the August 2016 issue, on her incredible trip to Cappadocia. Please keep them coming! – Gisèle Haupt

BUBBLE TROUBLE One of the ladies in my mums and tots group told us that her whole family had been violently ill about an hour after eating some leftover rice. Turns out the rice had been left out overnight to cool before it was put in the freezer the next morning. I’d just like to warn expat newcomers to be careful with rice, especially those who come from colder places or from countries where rice is not part of the staple diet. Better safe than sorry!. – June Lee Ed: You wouldn’t think that something like rice would go off so quickly. Apparently, it’s due to a bacterium called bacillus cereus that lives in the soil the rice is grown in. Spores can remain in the packaged rice, and they start to grow when you add water. WORK WANTED We’re moving to Singapore in June for my husband’s banking job after nearly three years in Saudi, where I basically stayed at home with our four-year-old boy. Apart from looking forward to the shopping, the nightlife and making new friends in Singapore, I’m also itching to work again. However, being a trailing spouse in such a restrictive environment has dented my confidence a bit, and my CV definitely needs tweaking! Any advice on how to get started? – Lisa Bramley Ed: We always recommend the CRCE (the Career Resource Centre for Excellence), which is part of the American Association of Singapore (aasingapore.com). The CRCE has helped thousands of newly arrived expats of all nationalities, including advice on finding a job, upskilling, personal development and entrepreneurial opportunities. Welcome to Singapore, and good luck!

WINNING WAYS

W i n n e r o f o u r o n l i n e c omp e t i t i o n , S t a c y Dunn , looks delighted w i t h h e r fabulous Micro Pedalflow adult hybrid scooter from White & Black Trading – perfect for short commutes and cruising.

Email us at info@expatliving.sg

28

APRIL2017

expatliving.sg Get more updates and helpful content from Singapore’s ultimate lifestyle guide. Followus at ...

Looking for a farmer’s market, or a place where you can donate preloved items? Look no further – you can find it all online at our snazzy website. Fo l l ow u s on social media too for up- to- the- minute updates!

Online now...

facebook.com/expatlivingSG

twitter.com/expatlivingSG

pinterest.com/expatlivingSG instagram.com/expatlivingSG

Get our latest Home & Property Guide FREE when you subscribe to Expat Living APR2017 HOMES • FAMILY • ARTS • FOOD • TRAVEL • FASHION • HEALTH • BEAUTY

SINGAPORE

April2017 Issue 177

Champagne Brunches 10 BEST

For just $78 a year, you’ll get: 12 monthly copies of Expat Living delivered to your door FREE Home & Property Guide

(cheers!)

ACEYOUR SPACE MODERNDESIGNIDEAS, STYLISHBUYS& BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS

Stylish Picks foryour Kitchen &Bathroom

BUBBLYBRUNCHES •KITCHENS&BATHROOMS •FACIALS

HOME&PROPERTYGUIDE 2017

GetHealthier, BrighterSkin PhenomenalFacials:

Portugal to theMiddleEast TravellersTales:

MCI (P)145/11/2015

Get yours now at expatliving.sg/print

S$6.50

MCI (P) 100/02/2017

S$6.50

It’s Back! PhotoCompetition2017 (plus,wewant toseeyourvideos!)p.96

FURNITURE•ACCESSORIES•PROPERTIES•SERVICES

30

APRIL2017

Whatwe’reup toon…

INSTAGRAM Follow us @expatlivingsg for all our behind-the-scenes antics!

Bringing you a sneak peek of brand new store openings.

Checking out beach breaks that are close to Singapore’s shores.

Learning all about floral arrangement from the experts!

DATE 28 April 2017 TIME 10am — 12pm PLACE Dulwich College 71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8 Singapore 658966 CONTACT susan.knudsen-pickles@expatliving.sg $15 includes refreshments & goodie bag CV Writing with MATCHFiT Connecting The Dots To Reach Your Potential

31 APRIL2017

HOME & PROPERTY

46 Floral Ideas: Tips on

creating two Easter floral arrangements

Arrangement by Sophie from Wild For Flowers

59 Expert Voice: Why teak continues to be such a popular material choice

62 Smart Moves: Why this expat picked her Orchard area apartment

75 Buyer’s Guide: Cool products to spice up your kitchen or bathroom

HOME & PROPERTY

Outdoor Classic OHMM ’s new Key West lounge collection has all the attributes of traditional outdoor furniture, but with a curvier twist. Woven in herringbone style, the pieces can be customised in plenty of different colour choices in the Rehau fibre, and a wide range of Sunbrella fabric options. Find out more at #03-09 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road . Hip Offer Following its flagship s t o r e o p e n i n g i n January, HipVan is offering Expat Living readers 15 percent off its products storewide, when you use the code “EXPAT10” on checking out. Head to #02-06/07/09 The Ca t hay , 2 Handy Ro a d , t o e x p l o r e the huge range of furniture and furnishings and pick up a bargain.

Do you wake up with back pain, or feeling grumpy and tired? This could well be to do with your mattress. Whether it’s old or just not quite right for you, think about replacing it – after all, a good night’s sleep can make the world of difference to your health and mood. European Bedding is offering a 25 percent discount on its EB Back Care mattress, which comes in European sizes and is made from 100 percent natural latex. Throughout April, an EU king-size mattress is just $2,890 – that’s a saving of $928; the queen and single mattresses are also available at 25 percent off. Head to the European Bedding showroom at 32 Eng Hoon Street to try a mattress out for yourself, or go to europeanbedding.sg for more information. DREAMY DISCOUNT

Armchair Shopping

Stylish shopping just got even easier with the new online offerings from Bungalow 55 and Teak & Mahogany. Sit back, click on thebungalow55.com or teakandmahogany. com and see if anything tickles your fancy.

34

APRIL2017

Leaf design cushion cover with pompoms, $80, Arete Culture

Chevron design cushion cover, $50, Arete Culture

Yellow ceramic pineapple, $115, Arete Culture

It’sAll Yellow In celebration of spring, we hunted around for some fun home décor ideas that might pack a punch in terms of colour, but shouldn’t hurt the pocket.

Cushion in yellow and white, $149, HomesToLife

Revive that old piece of furniture with a slick of paint – English yellow Annie Sloan paint, $69 for one litre, from Flower Girl

A new take on the traditional market- stand berry box, $12.95, Crate & Barrel

36

APRIL2017

HOME & PROPERTY

Put your feet up on this cotton and polyester pouf, $639, HomesToLife

This stoneware crate holds

Have some flipping fun with this spatula, $21.95, Crate & Barrel

12 eggs, $24.95, Crate & Barrel

MORPH in Saffron wallpaper from the Colourwash Collection, Quercus & Co, $85 per metre, available from E&A Interiors

This mug is part of the Farmhouse collection of kitchen stonewear, $14.95, Crate & Barrel

DIRECTORY Arete Culture (various locations) areteculture.com Crate & Barrel (various locations) crateandbarrel.com.sg E&A Interiors #04-24 The Herencia 46 Kim Yam Road 6702 4850 eandainteriors.com FairPrice Antique #01-10 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road 6270 2544 fairpriceantique.com Flower Girl #01-02 Everitt Edge 83 Joo Chiat Place 9788 8215 flowergirl.com.sg HomesToLife 65 Mohamed Sultan Road 6635 5050 homestolife.com

Ceramic stools are a classic “must have” – pick up a plain stool for $200, or one with a hand- painted design for $300, from FairPrice Antique

Merlin lamp, $80.50, HomesToLife

37 APRIL2017

38

APRIL2017

HOME & PROPERTY

Newton Modern

Who lives here: Daniel and Nyrma Soldevila from Puerto Rico, and their eight-year-old son, Adrian. Size and type of home: Three- bedroom rental condo. Style of home: Contemporary and natural, incorporating neutral tones of white and light grey.

Moving fromserviced accommodation with all its mod cons to your own apartment can be fraught with issues – primarily, how to furnish the space andmake it liveable. Here, DANIEL and NYRMA SOLDEVILA talk us through how they did just that, and why they love living in their Newton condo.

BY AMY BROOK-PARTRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY KEN TAN

39 APRIL2017

Nyrma particularly likes the natural wood style of Gallery 278’s furniture, including this dining table and chairs.

H aving met 14 years ago, Daniel and Nyrma had their future mapped out in their home country of Puerto Rico, where they had lived and worked all their lives. The tipping point came when their recently purchased home was broken into and many of their belongings stolen. “The burglars had been watching the house and broke in when Nyrma went out – we just felt things had started to get really bad and decided we needed to move away,” explains Daniel. With his boss then relocating to Singapore, it wasn’t long before Daniel was offered the chance to move too, continuing his work as a chemical engineer. The couple and their young son Adrian had never been to Asia, let alone Singapore, but they arrived in July 2014 to start their new life, settling first into Orchard Scotts Residences. Daniel’s initial posting was a one-term assignment; however, the company extended it and so the family stayed in Orchard Scotts for another year. “Our apartment was small, and we couldn’t add our own style as it was already furnished,” says Nyrma. When they found out they would be staying on until at least 2018, they decided to find a more permanent home, and started looking for a suitable condo. Pinpointing the Newton and Orchard area, they carried out their research online, specifically looking at simple, contemporary- style apartments. “Nyrma also told me she didn’t want to live on a high floor – sixth floor at the most,” laughs Daniel, as we now sit on the 24th floor of their current abode, the Trilight, located where Newton Road starts.

The canvases were brought across from

Puerto Rico; the furniture is leased from Gallery 278.

40

APRIL2017

42

APRIL2017

HOME & PROPERTY

Sitting Pretty This condo ticks all the other boxes for the family, with its open- plan concept, modern simplicity and convenient, central location close to an MRT station. Moving from serviced accommodation to their own apartment meant, however, that they needed to buy furniture for every room in their new home. “We had left behind or sold most of our furniture in Puerto Rico, only bringing some smaller décor pieces with us. Searching online for a suitable home furniture company, I found Gallery 278, who also came recommended by our realtor, and I really liked the look of their natural wood products,” says Nyrma. Leasing furniture seemed the most sensible option; they also had an option to purchase certain pieces at the end of their contract. “Dealing with Gallery 278 was really easy; they said they’d deliver after one month, and until then they lent us pieces such as the sofa, which was really helpful,” says Daniel. “ When we have visitors, they love sitting here and taking in the view ”

43 APRIL2017

RECOMMENDATIONS

No Regrets Having based many of their decisions on internet research, including finding a school for Adrian (he’s now at Stamford American International School), the couple have no regrets. “Singapore is just so easy to live in; we’ve had no doubts so far,” says Daniel. The same goes for Nyrma, who’s enjoying living in and exploring the Newton area, as well as pursuing her CrossFit bug at a gym in Tai Seng. “I started doing CrossFit in Puerto Rico, and it was one of the things I had to find here; now I go at least four times a week.” She’s also invested time in taking courses on fashion design, photography and professional makeup artistry, and hopes to put what she’s learnt into practice before too long. Daniel points out that it has been particularly hard on Nyrma to be away from her home country and her family. “We come from a close, family-orientated culture and so we made it a priority to meet other Puerto Ricans when we arrived.” With the support of this close community – “They’re like our second family,” says Daniel – and a condo they enjoy calling home, the Soldevilas are happily ensconced in Singapore for the foreseeable future.

LEISURE FOC 40 Hong Kong Street 6100 4040 | focrestaurant.com Wild Honey #03-01 Scotts Square 6 Scotts Road 6636 1816 | wildhoney.com.sg

Above: The family are extremely proud of their Puerto Rican

heritage, and have many

mementos on display around their home.

The Clueless Goat 189 Thomson Road 8283 0885

CrossFit Unit #01-12 Citimax Industrial Complex

605B MacPherson Road 8111 0722 | crossfitunit.sg

HOME Gallery 278 278 River Valley Road 6737 2322 | gallery278.com

44

APRIL2017

HOME & PROPERTY

Easter inBloom!

SOPHIEHANCOCKfrom Wildfor Flowers talks us through how to put together two gorgeous flower arrangements that fit perfectly with Easter, but which can also be adjusted for any time of the year.

46

APRIL2017

HOME & PROPERTY

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Celebrate Easter with a beautiful vase of longiflorum lilies incorporating contorted wi l l ow and de co r a t i ve hanging eggs. This traditional Easter lily is the perfect choice for home decoration during this season. T h e b l o o m s a r e cha r a c t e r i s ed by t he i r elegant long green stems, and beautiful bell-shaped wh i t e f l owe r s . Wh e n selecting longiflorum, buy ones with a few buds that are just beginning to open. These flowers can be used in various ways; here’s an example of how you can create a stunning Easter design in your home. EASTER LILY VASE

Glass vase: IKEA has a good selection from $10, and Far East Orchid at Thompson Road also has a decent range. Flower food sachet: Far East Flora on Thompson Road sells packs of sachets for $2.50. Sharp scissors: florist scissors are available at Far East Flora, or alternatively Daiso sells garden scissors for $2. Ten stems of longiflorum (or “longi”) lilies: available from Far East Flora or your local florist (approximately $30). Contorted willow bunches: available from Far East Orchid or Garden centres at approximately $10 a bunch. Decorative hanging eggs: available from Spotlight, Cold Storage or Bed Bath N’ Table (approximately $6.90 for six).

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

Fill the vase about three- quarters full with room- temperature water and add the cut flower food.

When you’re happy with the shape and height of the flowers, hang your decorative eggs on to the contorted willow, spacing them evenly throughout the design.

Carefully handle the delicate lilies, gauging howmuch of the stem you need to cut off by holding it against the vase and cutting at a 45-degree angle. Remove the lower leaves that will be below the waterline and place the stem in the vase. Continue with the remaining stems, placing the blooms with their bell- shaped heads facing outwards. The stems in the middle can be slightly taller. Turn the vase while placing your stems to ensure it’s evenly shaped all around.

As the flowers open, remove and dispose of the pollen anthers with a tissue as this pollen can stain hands, clothes and surfaces. Place the vase in a cool place out of the sun, and change the water every couple of days. The lilies should last from ten days to two weeks.

Start by adding the contorted willow, measuring against the side of the vase before cutting. These twigs should be higher than the flowers.

Tip: If you’re unfortunate and get pollen on your clothes, don’t rub it in; lift it off straight away using sticky tape.

47 APRIL2017

HOME & PROPERTY

Using spring blooms that burst with colour and Easter bulbs that fill the room with the scent of spring, this design is perfect for a seasonal table centrepiece, or to make and take as a gift. As fresh spring flowers don’t last long here in the tropics, Sophie mixes good quality silk flowers with the fresh plant materials and spring bulbs to create this Easter-themed look. FLORAL EASTER PLANTED BASKET

48

APRIL2017

HOME & PROPERTY

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

STEP 1

Start by lining the basket with the cellophane or plastic to ensure it’s waterproof. Soak the floral foam thoroughly by

dropping (not pushing) it into a bowl of water. If you push it, it won’t soak through to the middle. Wait one to twominutes until it’s changed to a dark green colour and is heavy. Put the foam into the watertight bowl and place into your basket towards one side.

STEP 2

Start placing the potted plants and bu l b s i n t o t he basket, place the trailing ivy plant opposite the floral foam bowl. Some of the hyacinth bulbs can be placed behind the primulas as they will grow taller when opening.

Once you’ve arranged your plants, start by adding some fresh leaves and foliage to cover the floral foam and achieve a good shape for the flowers, making sure it’s in proportion with the basket. Add in the forsythia and willow, keeping it tall and towards the back of the foam. Continue to add in the other fresh and silk flowers, making sure all the leaves are removed from the stems before pushing into the foam.

STEP 3

Rustic basket: available from Far East Orchid, most garden centres or Daiso. Cellophane (or a large thin plastic bag): for lining the basket to make it waterproof. Quarter of a block of floral wet foam: found at most garden centres and flower shops, costing around $4. Bowl: to hold the wet floral foam when soaked. Yellow forsythia stems (silk or fresh), silk tulips, narcissus or daffodils: all can be found at the Verge Mall, from $5. Potted fresh spring bulbs such as narcissus (used here; hyacinths or grape hyacinths work just as well): available from IKEA and garden centres, $4. Fresh or driedmoss: available fromDaiso or Spotlight, $2. Decorative eggs. Contorted willow stems (optional). Two to three primrose or campanula plants (depending on size of basket), small trailing ivy plant, fresh mixed leaves and foliage, three to five yellow mini gerberas or roses: available in supermarkets or Far East Orchid. Scissors.

STEP 4

Spread the moss in a loose natural style around the bulbs and plants to cover any plastic pots and cellophane from the basket liner. Hang your decorative eggs on the contorted willow.

Tip: Keep the finished design cool and out of the sun. Add water into the floral foam dish every few days to maximise the life of the fresh flowers.

To find out more about Wild for Flowers, including the workshops Sophie runs, call 9733 0534 or go to facebook.com/sophieatwildforflowers.

49 APRIL2017

HOME & PROPERTY

LuxeLiving NATALIE DRUMMOND and husband MICHAEL have lived on Sentosa since they arrived here three and a half years ago. We find out what they like about living on Singapore’s southern tip, and why they called on the help of Arete Culture to style up their penthouse.

BY AMY BROOK-PARTRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY KEN TAN

51 APRIL2017

The dining table is from Oly San Francisco. The couple tend to have more casual evening plans, usually escaping upstairs for drinks and the view.

The table is from Taylor B,

the tray and orchid from Bungalow 55, and the lamp from Arete Culture.

The sofas are from Kelly Hoppen.

52

APRIL2017

HOME & PROPERTY

“Caroline and I weren’t sure what to do with the space, but Michael wanted to turn this into a bit of a man’s den.”

The couple inherited the outdoor furniture from friends, and Caroline recovered the cushions with fabric chosen by Natalie.

W ith its resort-vibe, relaxed beachside living and tons of amenities and activities on its shores, Sentosa has been a strong draw for many people looking to take advantage of living on a tropical island, and enjoy a good work-life balance. Natalie and Michael have lived in the Residences since they arrived in Singapore in 2013, albeit initially in a different apartment from their current penthouse. “We were in a three-bed apartment at first, about halfway down the block. We were close to our lease date and some friends who lived here were relocating and needed to break their lease – we really liked this penthouse and came to an agreement that worked for us all, and moved in almost two years ago,” explains Natalie. Sentosa itself had a familiar draw for Natalie, who moved from Sydney but knew of Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast of Australia, a similar model to Sentosa. “It kind of felt like home. We like the lifestyle here, we didn’t want to live in a super

Who lives here: Natalie and Michael, from Australia, and two-year- old miniature Labradoodle Hendrix (named after guitarist Jimi). Size and type of home: A rented two-storey penthouse with two bedrooms plus a study. Personal style: Modern classic with a touch of hotel luxe.

53 APRIL2017

high-rise building, we love the marina, and having that separation from work and town is great. It’s so easy to get on your bikes on the weekend and go to the beach, and I can’t walk down the street without bumping into someone I know here; it’s really lovely.” Moving to Singapore with Michael’s job, they left behind their newly purchased off-plan house, which they never actually got to live in. “We had all this beautiful furniture that we’d bought over a 12-month period, thinking we were going to move in there. No way were we going to leave it behind, so we shipped all the key pieces here.” With the majority of these items fairly neutral in tone, Natalie was keen to pull it all together by adding more home décor pieces once they were settled. “I’m sure I’d been annoying Michael by asking him what he thought of this or that in terms of décor, and so he advised me to hire someone to help out. I’d seen Caroline from Arete’s work in Expat Living , and when I emailed her and we got chatting she quickly understood what I wanted.” Bringing in bar stools, rugs, soft furnishings and decorative pieces, she mixed these with as many of Natalie and Michael’s original pieces as she could. “I don’t think there was anything she didn’t use. The day of the makeover was a madhouse – there was stuff everywhere, with so many different options to choose from.” Saying goodbye to her job at Macquarie Bank in Sydney, where she had worked in business development for over eight years, Natalie was keen to kick-start her career again in Singapore. Within four months, and through a friend’s recommendation, she found a position in sales at Expat Insurance. “Everyone knows how hard it is to find a job here, so it was a great opportunity. Dealing with people is one of the nicest things about the job; you meet some wonderful people, from newcomers who really need help to couples thinking of having a baby.” Understanding how overwhelming buying insurance can be, Natalie’s focus is on talking to her customers and finding out about their needs rather than shoehorning them into a box of products. “I try and keep my advice as simple, honest and straightforward as possible.” As for their penthouse, it’s perched overlooking Sentosa’s North Cove houses and part of the golf course, and also has sweeping views of the city and sea, albeit partly obscure by cranes. “I like the view; it’s not too high and we can sit upstairs and watch the golf from our balcony if we want,” says Natalie. The cranes will also be shifted to Changi in the future, although as Natalie says, “this won’t be for quite some time.”

Walking through their apartment, it’s clear to see that the neutral, stylish furniture she had already picked for their Sydney home fits perfectly here in Sentosa. “We’d seen the extensive use of white in the newer condos, this one included, and it can be so cold and uninviting. We wanted to ensure that there was some colour and warmth that gave us a space to enjoy.” The soft furnishings, including blues to tie in with the ocean, do just that. Having the penthouse space is a luxury that Natalie is keen to continue enjoying. “It’s a lot of space for just the two of us, but it’s great to go upstairs after dinner, have a glass of wine and a chat; it really is a lovely space.”

Above: Just some of the home-styling arrangements added by Arete Culture.

54

APRIL2017

HOME & PROPERTY

Above: The bed and side tables came from Australia; the blue pillows and lamps are from Arete Culture. Top right: This chest of drawers in the master bedroom is from Taylor B.

55 APRIL2017

“Caroline from Arete managed to find the perfect bar stools to match with our dining furniture – brass studs and all.”

RECOMMENDATIONS

HOME Arete Culture #06-01 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road 9640 3829 | areteculture.com Bungalow 55 #01-05A Cluny Court 501 Bukit Timah Road 6463 3831 | bungalow55.com Taylor B 43 Keppel Road 9420 4000 | taylorbdesign.com

LIFE & LEISURE Chop Suey 10 Dempsey Road, #01-23 9224 6611 | pscafe.com/chopsuey-café-at- dempsey-hill DB Bistro and Oyster Bar (“great for a cheeky glass of champagne and some oysters”) B1-48 Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands 6688 8525 | dbbistro.com Expat Insurance B1-52 The Riverwalk 20 Upper Circular Road 6401 9201 | expatinsurance.com.sg Jigger and Pony 101 Amoy Street 9621 1074 | jiggerandpony.com Lantern Bar 80 Collyer Quay 6333 8388 | fullertonhotels.com/singapore Luke’s 22 Gemmill Lane 6221 4468 | lukes.com.sg Skirt (“this steak restaurant isn’t cheap, but the service is great, and the wine list is fantastic”) W Hotel 21 Ocean Way, Sentosa 6808 7278 | skirt.wsingaporesentosacove.com 6708 8301 | sofitel-singapore-sentosa.com Willow & Huxley (“my favourite place to shop in Singapore”) 20 Amoy Street 6220 1745 | willowandhuxley.com Sofitel (“for brunch”) 2 Bukit Manis Road

56

APRIL2017

HOME & PROPERTY

Reasons to LoveTeak

Teak is a perennially popular material choice when it comes to furniture – Scan Teak gives us five good reasonswhy. 1 Durable Teak’s natural oils help deter insects, mould, moisture and decay. The timber’s oils lend resistance to the weather, making it a great material for outdoor use. What’s more, teak that’s kiln-dried has a lower moisture content, which helps the wood last longer after being treated. 2 Versatile Teak furniture can be crafted into different styles, from simple classic designs to themes such as industrial, Scandinavian or retro. It has an intrinsic aesthetic that lends itself to a variety of different looks. 3 Easy Teak is easy to take care of – all it needs is to be wiped with a damp cloth, sometimes with a mild soap solution, once in a while. It ages gracefully, developing a richer hue over time, and teak oil can be applied once every few months for added maintenance. Teak dining tables don’t require any protective layering, such as plastic sheets or glass tops, as these actually encourage the buildup of moisture and mould. 4 Sustainable The teak in Scan Teak furniture is grown on plantations where a new tree is planted for every tree felled, to

ABOVE Vila sofa, from $850; Koniska coffee table, $399; Zata casual side table, $329 LEFT Kontur chair, $229; Runda dining table, from $999; Korta stool, $99 BOTTOM Kul modular sofa in L-shaped configuration, $3,066; Athos television console, from $859

ensure sustainability. 5 Unique

Thanks to the nature of the wood, each timber comes with its own “fingerprint”, the marks created by a tree’s growth rings. As fingerprints are to a human, these rings are unique to each tree, hence no two pieces are alike.

Scan Teak 60 Sungei Kadut Drive 6368 2802 | scanteak.com.sg

59 APRIL2017