December 2015

SINGAPORE

December 2015

Sea Trekking TOKYOTIPS Travel

COOLCHAIRS Where to buy

YOGA & PILATES Life asa single PARENT

HOLIDAY HOME?

Recipes, Dining, Décor &Gifts!

NEWS WELCOME MAT

Editor’s Letter Whenever I remember my dreams, it’s not in snippets – it’s more like a full-length movie. At the breakfast table, I would happily regale the storyline in great detail: “And then he said… And then she said…” My family would glaze over, until eventually they stopped asking me what my dreams were about. It may have had something to do with being the youngest of three daughters and there just wasn’t the interest – or maybe my storytelling was terrible. The dreams themselves are usually great: mysteries, thrillers, all quite entertaining – but maybe you had to be there… December is a time for dreaming of what might be, before you make your resolutions. But it’s difficult when there’s all the annoyance of the Christmas rush going on – deadlines and tackling crowds in the shops, for example; not to mention family issues and even guilt, things which do seem to come to the boil at this time of the year, no matter how sleigh-bell-ringingly happy we all want it to be. People often say, “You have to visualise what you want and dream it into life.” But I think most of the time we don’t even know what we want because we don’t spend enough time thinking about it. Or maybe we don’t want to get our expectations up. We’re pretty good at knowing what we don’t want; and we end up focusing too much on that. After trying my first proper South American cuisine recently (Chilean, Peruvian and Bolivian), my dream is now to travel to that continent. I can literally see myself riding up mountains and across the Pampas. You’ll note that I said “riding”

STAY UPDATED ONLINE @

NEWS Keeping you up to date with the latest news and promotions around town, plus heaps of online-only content. Tip: For fabulous EL travel deals, go to expatliving.sg/travel. EVENTS CALENDAR You’ll never miss a concert, play, sale or exhibition again. Plus, upload your own events for free by hitting “Post an Event” on the homepage (top right). WHERE TO BUY A COPY Head to expatliving.sg/about_us for a list of retail outlets where you can buy the latest copy of Expat Living. Better still, subscribe at expatliving/shop. HOW TO SELL YOUR OLD STUFF Looking to sell off items online or in the magazine? Post all the details and photos by hitting “Post a Notice” on the homepage (middle left).

rather than “walking” – I still haven’t visualised myself as super-fit yet. But I reckon it’s a step in the right direction! Our January issue will tell us all about how to get a “new you”, but in the meantime you can make a start with this issue and our info on yoga and Pilates. Keeping mobile and flexible is really important and it works wonders for when you do start to feel rushed. You’ll also find some gorgeous decorations and ideas for a festive dinner, so we hope we’re not too late for your planning! Wishing you a dreamy Christmas.

e e e e e e e e

C laim your FREE 2016 Calendar! See page 181

e e e e e e e e

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NEXT MONTH’S MAGAZINE Dining Tables • Kids’ Enrichment • Duxton Hill Dining

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NEWS WELCOME MAT

SINGAPORE

December2015

Sea Trekking TOKYOTIPS Travel

COOLCHAIRS Where tobuy

YOGA& PILATES Lifeasasingle PARENT

HOLIDAYHOME?

Editor-in-Chief REBECCA BISSET

Group Editor SHAMUS SILLAR Executive Editor VERNE MAREE Editors HOME & PROPERTY: AMY BROOK-PARTRIDGE LIFE & FAMILY: KATIE ROBERTS

Recipes,Dining,Décor&Gifts!

Front Cover: Pan Pacific Orchard (panpacific.com/orchard)

ARTS & LEISURE, WINE & DINE: AMY GREENBURG FASHION & LIFESTYLE (LIV) : SUSANNAH JAFFER BEAUTY & WELLNESS: SMITA DESOUZA Online Team MICHELLE CASTILLO | EMILY FINCH | JESS SMIT | CATH WILLINGHAM Web Developer RENE YUTIAMPO Client Services & Production LEANDA RATHMELL | LIANA TALIB | NUR HANANI KAMAL LUDDIN Senior Graphic Designers MICHAEL BERNABE | BEATRICE NG | JEANNE WONG Circulation ANNA TSERLINGAS Subscription & Administration VALMAI DHIR | GRACE BANTARAN Business Development KATIE PEACE Partnerships & Events NATALIE WHITTELL Marketing & Business Development Executive VEENA GILL Advertising Sales, Singapore KARIN GALLEY-DICK | DANIELLE ROSSETTI LARA SAGE | JACQUI YOUNG Chief Operations Officer COLIN PURCHASE HR JULIET KEYS Contributing Writers BEATE BALDRY | AIMEE FORDOS | ELINE JEANNE HARSHARAN KAUR | YVONNE MCNULTY | ANNE-MARIE PARNELL Contributing Photographers KEN TAN (WITHINIMAGES.COM) Printed by HO PRINTING SINGAPORE PTE LTD | HOPRINTING.COM

Expat Living Publications Pte. Ltd. has taken every reasonable care to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information contained in this publication, but accepts no responsibility for the content of advertisements published, and no liability for mistake, misprint, omission, typographical error, loss or damage suffered as a result of relying wholly or in part on the content of advertising or editorial published herein. Expat Living Publications reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or advertorial for any reason. All artwork designed by Expat Living Publications or any part of this publication may not be reproduced in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by means - graphical, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording, taping, etc, without prior permission in writing from the Publishers. Expat Livingmagazine has been certified by the Audit Bureau of Circulations for a total average net circulation of 18,455 per monthly issue. The audited circulation figures will be posted on http://abcsingapore.org/reports.html. 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 Expat Living Hong Kong info@expatliving.hk | sales@expatliving.hk subscription@expatliving.hk Websites expatliving.sg | expatliving.hk I exmag.sg Published by Expat Living Publications Pte Ltd 18 Howard Road, 08-10 NoveltyBizcentre, Singapore 369585

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CONTENTS

47

NEWS 20 What’s New in Town 24 Dates for Your Diary 30 Forum: Readers’ letters 32 12 Days of Christmas! 34 Social Pages: Photos from recent events

HOME

PROPERTY

89

42 News 47 Christmas on Sentosa:

104 Hot Property:

What’s on the market? 109 International Investments: Buying overseas property 112 Street Talk: Living near Boat Quay LIFE & FAMILY 118 News 128 Christmas Day Special: What the Expat Living staff have planned for the big day 130 Buying Guide: Festive gifts for home, her, him – and the kids! 142 Education for Helpers 146 Family Activities: We check out the newly renovated Hollandse Club 149 Expat Issues: The challenges of single parenting 152 Eco-Products: Bamboo, the wonder-fibre 155 Inspirational Interview: The first self-funded woman to visit the International Space Station

See how Norwegian expat Hanne decorates her family home

57 Interior Ideas:

Use mirrors, metallics and more to add glamour to a room

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

218

61 Décor Ideas 66 How to Make Festive Floral Arrangements 71 Buying Guide:

Christmas decorations

77 Designer Digs:

We showcase a colourful, eclectic home in Bukit Timah

84 Readers’

Recommendations: Favourite carpets

89 Buying Guide:

Your choice of chairs

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CONTENTS

71

ARTS & LEISURE

71

168 On the Stage:

Live music, dance and theatre

170 Children’s Theatre:

176 Author Interview: Meet Rosie Milne 178 On the Wall: What’s on in the art scene 181 Get Your Free EL 2016 Calendar! 182 Social Pages: Photos from recent events WINE & DINE

Celebrating stories at KidsFest 2016

172 On the Screen:

Big- and small-screen highlights for this month

174 On the Page:

Recent book releases

TRAVEL 224 News 230 WIN!

188 News 190 Bar Tab:

A cruise of a lifetime – worth over $18,000!

235 Tokyo Teaser:

New nightspots reviewed 197 Christmas Food Special: Everything you need to know for dining out or entertaining at home 214 Great Recipe Swap:

Plan the perfect itinerary for Japan’s capital 242 South African Insights:

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Luxury lodgings amidst the fine wine and food of Franschhoek

Risotto with strawberries, and hot chocolate pudding

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CONTENTS

HEALTH & FITNESS 254 News 258 Fitness Focus: Yoga and Pilates, changing lives 262 Health Matters: A new-age therapy that will knock your socks off 264 Orthodontics: Why, how and when to consider it for your child 266 Sexual Health: Ultrasound technology for effective vaginal tightening REGULARS 274 Subscribe Now! 275 Numbers & Websites 276 Horoscopes for December

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278 Advertiser List 280 Parting Shot:

My first week as an expat

SUBSCRIBE NOW! expatliving.sg/subscribe

For the latest updates, find us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter @ExpatLivingSg

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NEWS

UP FRONT MORE THAN FINGER PAINTING Children weren’t forgotten at the opening of the new National Gallery last month; launching simultaneously was the Keppel Centre for Art Education , whose brief is to engage and stimulate young people in all things arty. It may take several visits to see everything: the art corridor, where kids are invited to touch, explore and change the look of artworks through interaction; the art play-scape area which encourages imagination through adventure trails and discovery; and the family-friendly project gallery. Look out for daily tours, workshops, lectures and more. Free. Ground floor, City Hall Wing. (By the way, admission to the National Gallery itself is free until 6 December.) nationalgallery.sg

New choices and things to do, buy and try

SPORT FOR ALL Ever seen live wheelchair basketball? Here’s your chance, at the 8th ASEAN Para Games 2015 , which will see 3,000 athletes and officials descend on Singapore for a massive week of sport across 15 disciplines. Head along to the games to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of people with physical, visual and intellectual disabilities, who overcome incredible odds to participate and represent their countries in sport. Free. 3 to 9 December at numerous venues, including the Singapore National Stadium. aseanparagames2015.com

ROCKING ZEN Here’s one occasion where it’s possible to wear your comfy workout gear to a gig. The Bliss-Out Festival brings together like-minded revellers for sessions of yoga and music. There’ll be classes by local teachers Lynn Yeo and Sumei Shum, and Los Angeles-based Sianna Sherman, who Yoga Journal named one of the discipline’s 21 most talented teachers. Stick around for signature tunes of Auckland-based indie band The Naked and Famous. Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive. 12 December, from 5pm to 10.30pm. blissout.com.sg

Best Ballet The popular Swan Lake is considered by many to be the best ballet of all time. This month, Singapore Dance Theatre’s 38 incredible dancers will pirouette and arabesque in stunning period costumes, bringing to life all the romance and beauty of this unforgettable ballet, set to music composed by Tchaikovsky. 3 to 6 December, Esplanade Theatre. Tickets from Sistic.

Image credit: Milk Photographie

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NEWS

Gardens by the Bay

Lights…

Carols…

ORCHARD ROAD Centrepoint, Tangs, ION Orchard and

CLUNY COURT There’s nothing like Christmas carolling to rouse the festive spirit, especially when sung by the talented kids from Dulwich College and Tanglin Trust. Hear their melodic tones at Cluny Court on 4 and 12 December respectively, at 6.30pm. Donations will be collected during these performances, in support of The Singapore Cancer Society. Don’t forget to stop and meet Santa and have a photo taken with the jolly fellow, until 6 December. Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road. clunycourt. com.sg | facebook.com/ClunyCourt RAFFLES HOTEL Hear the Raffles Hall

Takashimaya all deserve honourable mentions for their gigantic trees, while the street itself is flooded with dazzling lights cascading from treetops in a blaze of unforgettable colour. TANGLIN MALL It’s back: the annual snow-fest that sees children squealing in delight as snow machines cover the ground in ankle-deep fluffy foam. Make a trip here before viewing the Orchard Road lights. GARDENS BY THE BAY Christmas Wonderland returns with enormous Italian light sculptures studded with 95,000 colourful bulbs, a European-style festive market, and a Christmas Toyland floral display in the Flower Dome. SENTOSA You’re in for a treat at Universal Studios Singapore , where Santa’s All-Star Christmas features fireworks, a dancing lights show, plus a snowy frolic every hour. Have a Merry Fishmas at S.E.A. Aquarium , with carollers, special feeding sessions and an activity trail for kids. VIVOCITY Expect another giant Christmas tree this year (last year it was 33 metres tall), dripping with sparkling fairy lights – and look out for the annual fireworks display.

Voices perform at Raffles Hotel on 12, 13, 19 and 20 December; the 20-minute performances are at 12.40pm and 5.40pm on those days. On 23 and 24 December, the Victoria Junior College Choir performs at 12pm at the North Bridge Road entrance, at 1pm in the

Lobby, and at 2pm in the Raffles Courtyard. Extra performances on Christmas Day. 1 Beach Road. raffles.com ORCHARD ROAD At Palais Renaissance on Orchard, a changing roster of talented vocalists and musicians will perform every Saturday throughout December (5, 12, 19 and 26), from 6.30pm to 8pm on the basement level. palais.sg

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NEWS

DECEMBER2015 CALENDAR

SPORTS & FITNESS

International Premier Tennis League 2015

THE 8TH ASEAN PARA GAMES (3-9 DEC) This event for people with disabilities is the biggest of its kind held in Singapore, encompassing 15 sports and involving over 3,000 athletes and officials. Tickets from $10. Singapore Sports Hub. aseanparagames2015.com STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON 2015 (5-6 DEC) Race options at this incredibly popular annual running event include a 700m kids’ dash, 10KM, 10K wheelchair, half-marathon, ekiden and full marathon. marathonsingapore.com

YOGA TEACHER TRAINING (UNTIL 16 DEC) Turn your passion into a career with this 200-hour weekday training programme that will make you eligible to be a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), 54 Tras Street. ssmy-sg.com/ teacher-training INTERNATIONAL PREMIER TENNIS LEAGUE 2015 (18-20 DEC) The International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) brings together current champions, tennis legends and upcoming talent in a format that’s never been seen before. Tickets from $195. Singapore Indoor Stadium. iptlworld.com

SHOPPING & FAIRS

THE CHRISTMAS FAIR (1 & 2 DEC)

THE FAIR (4 DEC)

There’s plenty of variety at this fair held at Raffles Town Club, with over 140 vendors plus a bouncy castle to tire the young ones out. Call 9489 7707 or visit theexpatfairs.com or facebook.com/theexpatfairs.

Jewellery, clothes and artwork from all around the world are just some of what’s on offer at The Fair, held at the Orchard Pan Pacific Hotel, Claymore Road. 10am to 6pm. For more information, call 9737 2384 or visit fairsandbazaars.com.

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NEWS

Sir Elton John

THEATRE, DRAMA & DANCE

Zoukout

SIR ELTON JOHN (1-2 DEC)

The Star Theatre in Singapore is poised to host legendary singer- songwriter Sir Elton John, appearing with his long-standing band at this 5,000-capacity venue. thestar.sg SSO & RACHMANINOV (3 DEC) The SSO’s second all-Rachmaninov programme this season features the return of conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy, with prize- winning Russian pianist Alexei Volodin performing the grand Third Piano Concerto (heard on the Shine soundtrack) and other works. Esplanade Concert Hall. sistic.com.sg SWAN LAKE BALLET (3-6 DEC) An enthralling revival of the world’s most beloved ballet, Swan Lake will be the Singapore Dance Theatre’s spectacular season finale. A ballet for all ages. Esplanade Theatre. sistic.com.sg SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (SGIFF) (UNTIL 6 DEC) As the longest-running international film platform in Southeast Asia, SGIFF promotes independent cinema by bringing together a rich mix of filmmakers from the region. sgiff.com CINDERELLA, A FAIRLY TRUE STORY (10 DEC TO 4 JAN) From the acclaimed creators of Peter Pan, The Never Ending Story comes the Asian debut of Cinderella, A Fairly True Story , a spectacular musical production everyone in the family can enjoy, featuring an international cast plus a mix of original music and popular hits, dynamic choreography and even magic tricks. Resorts World Theatre. sistic.com.sg

ZOUKOUT (11-12 DEC)

Singapore’s definitive annual dance festival – and Asia’s only sunrise beach festival – returns to Sentosa for the 15th time, with everything on the bill from electro to trance to techno to house, and top-notch carnival fun. zoukout.com THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES (UNTIL 12 DEC) Wild Rice’s annual pantomime is always a must-see; this one about the ultimate fashion victim will as usual offer local jokes and great entertainment, with live instrumentation too. Tickets from Sistic. wildrice.com.sg MI CONTEMPORARY DANCE FESTIVAL (UNTIL 13 DEC) Get moving with three weeks of non-stop dance performances, technique classes and workshops with renowned artists Anouk van Dijk (Australia), Olivier Dubois (France), Jecko Siompo (Indonesia), and the best of Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea. sistic.com.sg

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NEWS

FAMILY

Loyal.D's Painting with Pooches

SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMPS (UNTIL 4 DEC)

LOYAL.D’S PAINTING WITH POOCHES (5 DEC)

The Keys Academy believes that a quality holiday programme should be fun, but should also teach valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication. For more information, call 6734 8559 or visit thekeys.global. WINTER WONDERLAND – SLO CHILDREN’S CHOIR Embrace the spirit of Christmas with SLO’s Children’s Choir under the baton of choral conductor Rose Loh and accompanied by pianist Aloysius Foong. The concert will feature Disney’s smash hit “Let It Go” from the 2013 movie Frozen and other traditional favourites. SOTA Concert Hall, 1 Zubir Said Drive. IN CONCERT (UNTIL 5 DEC)

Painting with Pooches is a fun and creative event where children and dog-lovers can come to paint and have a friendly dog stamp their finished paintings with its paws. There will be rescued dogs and puppies up for adoption, accompanied by their handlers to help children get comfortable with the dogs. Funds raised from the $35 participation fee and donations will go to CAS and OSCAS. Myra’s Restaurant, 2 Stadium Walk. STAR WARS VS MINECRAFT LEGO ROBOTICS CAMP (UNTIL 24 DEC) The time has come. Join the pixelated forces, and construct and command your mining machines at this fun Robotics camp. WondersWork at Liang Court Singapore.

ART

THE SINGAPORE MODERN ART NARRATIVE (UNTIL 6 DEC) Brought to you by Artcommune gallery, the exhibition features more than 60 artworks by some of Singapore’s most important artists including Ang Ah Tee, Cheong Soo Pieng and Lim Tze Peng. Explore the distinctive influences that shaped the modern Singapore art scene. ION Art Gallery, Level 4 FRANK HOLLIDAY SOLO EXHIBITION (UNTIL 13 DEC) A neo-Abstract Expressionist painter, Holliday became famous in the New York art world in the 1970s and 1980s. The exhibition presents 41 of his paintings, many of them heroic, monumental-scale works. Partners & Mucciaccia Gallery, Gillman Barracks. DO HO SUH: NEW WORKS (UNTIL 2 JAN) The Embassy of the Republic of Korea and STPI creative workshop and gallery have collaborated to present “Do Ho Suh: New Works”. The art of Do Ho Suh reflects the transnational dilemma of home and belonging, malleable spaces and memory, and the boundaries of identity. STPI, 41 Robertson Quay. stpi.com.sg A range of cooking courses are on offer this month through Expat Kitchen, from Kids’ Christmas Party Baking to Cooking with Quinoa, and the much-talked-about Signature Helpers Basic Cooking Two Week Crash Course. Book at expat-kitchen.com. Energy Healing and Meditation, Pastel Shine Art and Feng Shui are all on offer in a series of workshops bought to you by Homes to Life – complimentary to Homes to Life Reward Members. homestolife.com/ pages/workshops HOMES TO LIFE (UNTIL 31 DEC) HOME EXPAT KITCHEN COOKING COURSES (3-31 DEC)

Homes to Life

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NEWS

PLAN AHEAD JANUARY 2016 Mark your calendar for the fifth instalment of KidsFest, ABA Productions’ theatrical adventure for children. Four new shows will debut this time: Little Red Riding Hood , The Snow Child , I Believe in Unicorns and Aliens Love Underpants . Back by popular demand are The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom. School of the Arts, tickets through sistic.com.sg. SINGAPORE ART WEEK (16-24 JAN) A nine-day visual art celebration held at a variety of venues in Singapore, offering a myriad of quality art experiences for everyone. artweek.sg ST JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2016 (30 JAN) Enjoy a perfect day out on the rolling lawns of The Meadow, watching great international and Asian musical acts at one of Singapore’s best music festivals. Gardens by the Bay. lanewayfestival.com KIDSFEST 2016 (20 JAN TO 14 FEB )

KidsFest 2016

MILEAGE NEW YEAR RUN 2016 (1 JAN)

To encourage participants of all ages, this year’s New Year Run has a new category: the Family Fun Run. Prizes for this category won’t be awarded to the fastest family, but via a lucky draw so that all participants have an equal chance of winning. Punggol Park. mileage.sg/events WALK THE MOON (19 JAN) America pop-rockers Walk The Moon perform in Singapore for the first time, at Fort Canning Park – presented by LAMC Productions. sistic.com.sg

Singapore Art Week

Halloween Horror Nights

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LETTERS

Readers’ thoughts and comments

Best Letter We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts on the magazine, or on any subject under the sun. To help celebrate her newfound fame this festive season, Magali Anderouard wins a bottle of champagne!

Coming Home to EL Good job on your November issue, as I found a lot of useful information in it. My family and I moved back here just last month after having lived in Auckland and Dubai for the past 11 years. Singapore has inevitably gone through many changes during the intervening years, and thank goodness for your magazine – it has come in very handy to help us settle in! I have beenworking as a freelance photographer for the past six years, and plan to continue in this field. Having experienced the expat life myself, I can certainly relate to your readers and their needs. For an overview of my work, please visit briansoonphotography.com.

Talk on the Street Thanks for giving me the opportunity to talk about the neighbourhood I live in, Chancery Lane, in “Street Talk” in the September issue. I’m rather proud to say that it’s made me a sort of minor celebrity among my peers and family, including those as far away as the US, Spain and France!

Brian Soon

Ed: We’re glad to have been of help, Brian, and welcome home!

Magali Anderouard

Bookworm I’m an avid bookworm and I always look forward to your monthly book reviews, especially as the majority of them are of special interest to people living in Singapore. I also enjoy reading the occasional interview with

Ed: We appreciate your contribution, Magali. Any reader who’d like to share what it’s like to live in his or her particular neighbourhood can dash off an email to katie.roberts@expatliving.sg.

As our Best Letter winner, Magali also wins an attractive cheeseboard worth $44, from Gallery 278’s new collection – perfect for cheese and biscuits with

the authors, be they Singaporeans or expats like myself. Hearing about what inspires them and how they approach their work makes me dream of writing my own novel one day – but that will have to wait until my toddler twins are quite a bit older! Until then, please keep the good stuff coming.

festive season drinks, or to round off a celebratory Christmas or New Year’s meal. What’s more, EL readers can present this page when they pop into the store at 278 River Valley Road and get $20 off their own cheeseboard! gallery278.com

Vanessa Holmsbrook

Ed: You should enjoy the author interview on page xx, then, and do keep a look out for upcoming interviews with the likes of Alice Clark-Platts ( Bitter Fruits ) and Andrew Hallam ( Millionaire Teacher ).

Email us at info@expatliving.sg

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NEWS

SCENE AROUND TOWN Recent events, openings & parties

Second Showroom Arete Culture hosted an amazing party in celebration of its second showroom in the Tan Boon Liat Building. Friends and clients had a great time exploring the magnificent new space and getting to know all the people who have made the company such a success.

Ten-time Winners Over 17,000 women turned out to race either 21.1K, 10K or 5K in the 10th Great Eastern Women’s Run – and we were there! As usual, the organisation was flawless and the mood was supportive. Extra-generous race kits dished out beforehand and free food and beverages, a bouncy castle and more at the finish added to the festivities. Well done, everyone!

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NEWS

Founding Designer Isabelle Persenda from In Situ hosted a special event in the presence and in honour of interior designer and In Situ founder Eric Ledoigt who was visiting Singapore. The showroom was buzzing with guests who had a lovely evening admiring the beautiful furniture and home décor while sampling delicious wines provided by A Wine Affair.

Special Needs Training The Parent Association of Melbourne Specialist International School (MSIS) hosted an Art Exhibition at the Residence of the Australian High Commissioner, Philip Green. The event raised funds to set up a Vocational Training Centre for MSIS students and the community. Local artists kindly donated their work for a silent auction. The Centre will offer programmes in hospitality, retail and sport and recreation to help students gain experience to prepare them for life after school.

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NEWS

A Grand Party The Club recently celebrated its grand opening, unveiling a brand new F&B- led lifestyle and hospitality concept in a celebration with over 200 guests, including local personalities, fashion icons and socialites. The event was graced by the Ambassador of Peru, HE Manuel Talavera Espinar, as guest of honour, along with Philip Walters, Chairman of F&B Asia Ventures, and Daniel Sia and David Yang, Co-CEOs of Harry’s International.

New Blood New Zealand Bloodstock held the launch of its Ready To Run Sale catalogue at the glorious Lantern Bar. Good wine, a great view and some of the best canapés in town made the night a huge success, and some guests went away with great prizes.

Twenty Years On Journey East, a stalwart of furniture and design in Singapore, celebrated its 20th anniversary with an intimate party at its beautiful showroom inside the Tan Boon Liat Building.

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Home

Villeroy & Boch

March15

HOME

WHAT’S NEW ART PROTECTION Why spend all that money on fine art and risk losing it to damage or loss? While many collectors insure their art under a basic, low-cost homeowners’ policy, often such policies don’t cover the full value. Charles Art Insurance can insure at either cost or market value, and covers all risks worldwide, including accidental and external damages such as fire, water, theft and robbery. To find out more about their policies for art or jewellery collections, call 9298 9284 or go to artinsurance.com.sg .

Hot shops and what to buy right now

MORE IN STORE Not only is Gallery 278 celebrating the arrival of its new HART Collection, but it’s also offering 50 percent off selected one-off pieces in its showroom, as well as 20 percent off display and ready stocked items. Even more reason to visit its 278 River Valley Road showroom; call 6737 2322 for more information.

STYLISH SCENTS Italian design company Kartell has created a series of home fragrances, and they’re available at Robinsons The Heeren . Included in the collection are three types of diffusers: scented candles, reed diffusers and electronic diffusers, in five designs and eight fragrances. robinsons.com.sg

SLEEK SHOWROOM Just Anthony boasts a stylish new area of its showroom following a collaboration with Arete Culture . The area is more lifestyle-focused, with the addition of softer furnishings, flowers, fragrance and modern accessories to give customers a better idea of how the pieces might work in their own home. Subtle changes in the placement of the furniture have created a better flow through the space, too. Just Anthony, 379 Upper Paya Lebar Road.

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HOME

Prizes Galore!

In celebration of its 21st anniversary, The Furniture Mall (TFM) is offering a raft of prizes in store including a grand lucky draw for a Citroen C4 Cactus, TFM furniture and furnishings from Cellini and Gabbeh

Carpets, and TFM cash vouchers. Housing 70 international and local brands in 40 stores, TFM is a one-stop-shop for those in the market for home furniture. Head to 10 Toh Guan Road , or click on thefurnituremall.com.sg .

NEW LOCATION Moss Living has been granted exclusive rights to distribute luxury Italian lighting brand MMLampardari . Pieces such as this nature-inspired chandelier titled Leaf can be viewed in its new showroom located at 11 Keng Cheow Street, #01-04. mossliving.com

BREATH OF FRESH AIR Sharp’s new air purifier promises clean, mosquito-free air. It comes in black, as mosquitos are said to be attracted to dark colours, with an LED UV light that lures them into its air inlet, where they are trapped on a three- layer adhesive sheet. The FP-FM40E-B purifier also has a haze filter, and is available for $459 at all Gain City outlets. gaincity.com

DESIGNS OUTDOORS Karpenter’s range of outdoor furniture, the neatly titled Grasshopper collection , is now available at Mountain Teak and Mountain Living. Promoting elegant outdoor living, it includes easy armchairs, a coffee table and a sleek sunbed with Sunbrella cushions – pictured here in mineral blue. Go to mountainteak.com for store locations.

Pretty Pendant Louis Poulsen’s Patera Pendant promises to create a focal point in any room. Style doesn’t come cheap – the 600mm Patera retails at $1,818 – but with this in a room everything else should fade into the background. Louis Poulsen Showroom, 5 Purvis Street, #01-02.

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SENTOSA SHOWCASE

C hristmas ON SENTOSA By Amy Brook- Partridge; photography by Michael Bernabe and Ken Tan Notching up 25 years of living abroad, Norwegian expat HANNE ADOLFSEN has become adept at making the most of each home her family lives in. She tells us why Christmas is their biggest family tradition, and lets us take a tour of her fabulously festive house on Sentosa.

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SENTOSA SHOWCASE

H aving lived away from Norway in six different countries, Hanne has become an expert at making sure family traditions are suitably celebrated wherever they may be. With two of their three daughters now living elsewhere, she places much importance on family get-togethers, making the most of their limited time together. “Tradition is our religion,” she says, “so from Valentine’s Day to Easter to Halloween we go overboard, and Christmas is no exception; it’s when all of our Norwegian customs come out!” Most of the decorations put up around the home have travelled with the family, and every year the children open the decorations box and reminisce about where they made them. Hanne does buy one new item for Christmas every year, be it lights or even flowers, but she never changes the general scheme. “One store I do feel at home in is Galanga Living. When I walk in and see the reindeer items and the candleholders shaped like wooden houses, it’s like being in Norway.” Their advent calendar, a hand-embroidered wall-hanging, has an individual present such as a chocolate, amagazine or pens attached to each date. The sisters used to take turns to receive the presents, but now Tilly, the last remaining daughter at home, gets them all. Who lives here? Hanne, husband Stig, youngest daughter Matilde (“Tilly”, 11), helper Joanne and Charlie the dog. Eldest daughter Lene (23) recently graduated from university in Boston, and middle daughter Maren (21) is at the University of Kent in the UK. Where do they come from? Stavanger, Norway. How long in Singapore? Three years. How big is the house? Five bedrooms and a helper’s room.

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SENTOSA SHOWCASE

Hanne has also adopted a great family activity they first experienced while living in the Middle East. “Some of the big hotels would put on family-friendly Christmas events, including gingerbread house- making. They would provide an area with chefs’ hats and aprons for the kids, gingerbread houses to create and ice, and ‘elves’ on hand to help out; Santa was there to meet the children and a buffet was laid on with wine and nibbles for everyone.” Hanne has modified this idea and organised a similar event for her own and neighbouring families. “Webuy plenty of IKEA gingerbread houses, and the neighbouring children get together in the function room to craft their creations while the parents help out and enjoy some food and drinks. When they’re done, the kids can jump in the pool.”

Although the children help decorate the tree, purchased from one of the nurseries on Thomson Road, it’s down to Hanne to decorate the house. One night at the beginning of December, after everyone is asleep, she puts some music on, pours a glass of wine and starts decorating the house a corner at a time, until it’s done like magic overnight. Hanne has more than a layman’s experience in styling interiors, however. During the family’s 16 years in the Middle East, she worked for a sheik on his property portfolio for some time, styled corporate events and later worked for a well-known furniture store in Dubai. “The word spread,” she says, “and I did help design quite a few apartments. I’d love to do this again at some point.”

The family’s hand- embroidered wall- hanging advent calendar

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SENTOSA SHOWCASE

Celebrating Christmas In Norway, Christmas Eve is the main day of celebration. In the Adolfsen household the day starts with the children opening gifts from their Christmas stockings before tucking into a special Norwegian porridge for breakfast. Their main meal is lamb. “After it’s been marinated for over two months, it’s soaked in water for 24 hours, then it simmers in a pot on sticks for two hours, and finally it’s put into the oven to make it a little crispy.” In the past, they’ve also indulged in deep-fried turkey – not a Norwegian tradition, but a dish that Hanne and her daughter say is surprisingly delicious. Aquavit, a Scandinavian spirit, is also drunk as a shot during Christmas dinner. The meal ends with a rice-pudding dessert, with a shaved almond hidden inside. “Whoever gets that in their dish gets a prize.” Once the big Christmas celebrations are over, Hanne says, the decorations all come down before New Year, no doubt to make way for the next big celebration in the house.

“God jul” means “Merry Christmas” in Norwegian

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Recommendations

Copenhagen Delights (pop-up shopping) bfh@copenhagendelights.com Chillax Market #03-07 The Grandstand 200 Turf Club Road Originals #02-03 Sime Darby Centre 896 Dunearn Road 6471 9918 | originals.com.sg Taylor B 43 Keppel Road, 1st, 2nd and 4th levels 9420 4000 | taylorbdesign.com Iwannagohome (various locations) iwannagohome.com.sg Big Box (“a great hidden corner on the top floor”) 1 Venture Avenue

bigbox.com.sg Galanga Living

211 Henderson Road, #01-02 6475 2633 | galangaliving.com

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INTERIORS

1. Modern Parisian dresser: The dresser with the black Venetian mirror adds a stunning touch of polygonal Venetian glamour. Also pictured is a French Louis XV chair made of solid French beech and an Annick mercury glass candlestick lamp. Dresser now $777 (usually $1,294). 2. Old-world mirrored credenza: This rare and elegant vintage piece features a swivelling middle door that has an arced rack for spirits and fortified wines. Credenza now $2,922 (usually $4,870). 3. Manchurian gatemirrored coffee table with Candice Olsen rug: The coffee table design is reminiscent of old Chinese gates and has hand-carved details of animal patterns in shades of ivory and white. It sits on a Candice Olsen hand-tufted ivory rug made of New Zealand wool. Coffee table now $978 (usually $1,629). 4. Venetian mirrored tallboy and side table: The geometric symmetry of these hand-cut mirrored cabinets evokes Hollywood vintage glamour. Ideal as a beautiful storage item, side table or statement piece for your entryway, the cabinet complements both modern and vintage décor. Tallboy now $1,193 (usually $1,988), nightstand $789 (usually $1,314). Style Using mirrored furniture, luxurious textures and metallic colours can be a simple but effective way to add a touch of glamour to a room. Items with shine have the ability to immediately transform a plain, simple space into a spectacular and unusual one. Here are some ideas from furniture retailer Finn Avenue to get you started.

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5. Hyde Park living room: Finn Avenue’s online “shop our living rooms” concept provides a variety of living room designer set-ups where you simply click to buy the look. This setup is inspired by luxurious living in London, and shows a Mayfair three-seater velvety-silver sofa. Sofa now $2,828 (usually $3,770), coffee table $1,433 (usually $2,388). 6. Dining reflections: The solid wood dining table is handcrafted by skilled artisans, and features hand-cut mirrors on all its sides and legs. Around it is a pair of reproduction neoclassical King Louis XVI Chairs, as well as a Firenzi wingback armchair at each end, and a Black Hues balloon armchair. 7. Hunting expedition living room: The centrepiece here is an avant- garde designer twist on the traditional Chesterfield sofa. This hand-tufted sofa has deep-set buttons and individual pocketed-spring seats, and is adorned with shiny nail-head trim. The woollen chocolate-taupe safari animal rug fits perfectly with the setting, as does the circles-of-life hand-carved mirror, casually placed by the side. 8. Etiennebedchambermirrored tallboy: Features a blackmatte finish on its base and angled legs, chrome-plated handle rings, and five pull-out drawers with soft-close mechanism. Standing at a height of 115cm, it’s perfect for storage in a bedroom, a small entryway or a family corner. Embellish it with this Claudette white glass LED table lamp. Tallboy now $1,008 (usually $1,679).

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About Finn Avenue The mantra of this company is to provide customerswith affordable luxury. Its furnishings are made of high-quality rawmaterials such as solid hardwood, wool and fabrics imported fromFrance, Italy, Belgium, NewZealand andSpain. Finn Avenue also creates antique reproductions with a modern twist, such as its King Louis chairs, 18th-century balloon chairs, and credenzas with old-world charm. Prices are significantly lower than you’ll find on designer pieces retailing in high street boutiques. Shop online or in-store at 8B Admiralty Street, #02-21. 6753 3466 | finnavenue.com

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CHRISTMAS DÉCOR

Home

For

Create a stylishly understated Christmas ambience by using just a few touches here and there. Here are some of our tips on achieving a festive feel at home without going overboard.

61 December15 By Amy Brook-Partridge; photography by Kym Bernabe

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Winter Wonderland

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening, A beautiful sight, we ’ re happy tonight, Walking in a winter wonderland. The simple but stylish combination of silver and white is an easy way to create a wintry feeling. Add to that the cooler qualities of a mirrored item or two and you’ve got your very own winter wonderland to come home to.

Starfish hurricane candleholder, $160; White mini-bottle vase, $39; faux white pom-pom flowers, $50; silver tulip base vases with white flowers, $95; mirrored mini-candle holder, $88; silver tealight, $48: Arete Culture.

Dress up a branch with baubles and tinsel and – voila! – you have a quick and easy festive arrangement. Teak console, $1,350; leather mirror, $1,050: Origin Asia.

White vase, $125; Maison candle, $75: Arete Culture.

Large silver platter,

62 $185; coral decorations, $18 to $38: Arete Culture.

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CHRISTMAS DÉCOR

Barista leather sofa, $2,600; armchair, $1,050; Indus centre table, $1,150; Iranian antique rug, $800: Origin Asia. Beige lamp in background, $300; various cushions, from $15 to $90: Arete Culture. Golden Brown OK, so you probably don’t want to light a fire in your living room to get that warm and fuzzy feeling in your home, but using golden browns, natural textures and comfy cushions and throws can create a lovely, cosy living-room environment for Christmas.

Elves are working overtime, making all our toys, Reindeer hooves on all the roofs, of good old little girls and boys, Big old cups of steaming cider, fall asleep by a cosy fire, It’s the warm and fuzzy time of the year.

Pinecones and baubles in bowls give a room an instant festive touch. Long mother-of-pearl bowl, $160; shiny mercury bowl, $135; seashell hurricane extra-large candle-holder, $285: Arete Culture.

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Trunk side table, $650: Origin Asia.

HOME

Bamboo placemats, $9; small green bowls, $29; large orange plates, $23; 24-piece tangerine cutlery set, $199: Iwannagohome (iwannagohome. com.sg). Yellow pineapple ornament, $60; large yellow vase, $130: Arete Culture. Think outside the box and place decorations in cubbies or on shelves. Wall grid, $590; docker sideboard, $1,540: Origin Asia. Silvery- orange lanterns, $45; geometric green lanterns, $95; large glass jar, $195: Arete Culture.

Totally Tropical Christmas Have some fun with bright colours to create a tropical Christmas dining setting. Mix green with orange, yellow with turquoise, to make an impact at the table. Oranges studded with cloves give off a lovely festive aroma, too.

Well, it sure is nice down here this time of year, The tourists are tanned and there ’ s holiday cheer, Here comes Santa Claus, having a tropical Christmas.

Origin Asia (various locations) 9010 3656 | originasia.com Arete Cuture (various locations) 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

64 Suar dining table, $2,200; chairs, $315; Iranian antique rug, $800; poster, $190: Origin Asia. Large orange and green bowls on table, $49: Iwannagohome (iwannagohom .com.sg). December15

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Festive Florals Floral designer KAREN FRENCH has put together a range of displays with step-by-step instructions to help you create simple, long-lasting arrangements this Christmas. With their eclectic mix of baubles, chillies, silver accessories, orchids and even chocolates, there’s sure to be something that grabs your attention and is worthy of gracing your table.

Silver-and-pink Christmas luxury

1 Soak a 14-inch floral foam ring

3 Bring up the flexible parts of the white branches and tuck into the arrangement across the flowers (purely decorative). 4 Place the floral ring in a silver contemporary bowl or dish. Secure some Christmas baubles in pink and silver with hot glue

in water. Use florist wire or U-pins to secure the white, cut branches at intervals (optional). 2 P l a c e r o s e s and ranunculus

at intervals around the foam ring. Build up the volume by

to florist wire and insert between the flowers. As a finishing touch, place a coordinating candle within a glass vase in the centre of the arrangement.

adding groups of spray carnations, c h r y s a n t h emums , b a b y r o s e s , chamelaucium (waxflowers) and statice.

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Tropical Christmas with a hint of chilli 1 Soak an eight-inch floral foam ring in water. Cover the

ring with individual red cordyline leaves, securing with regular steel pins or floral adhesive. 2 Place the artificial or fresh red berries and fresh red chillies

at intervals around the ring. Fresh berries can be inserted through the leaves into the floral foam. Faux berries can be glued with floral adhesive. 3 Take a few orchid blooms – we used yellow James Storie

Mokara orchids – and secure individual blooms using floral adhesive.

4 Place the arrangement on a decorative plate with a coordinating candle for a tropical Christmas centrepiece.

Traditional wreath 1 Soak a 14-inch floral foam ring in water. Cut and insert

branches of conifer into the soaked floral foam ring, securing with florist wire with U-shaped floral pins or cut and shaped green florist wire. 2 Once fully covered, wrap a decorative gold ribbon around the ring. Use hot glue to secure the faux or fresh baby apples and the gold pinecones on to florist wire or satay sticks. Once cooled, insert

into the floral foam in groups. 3 Decorate with a mix of lime-green pom-pom and

button chrysanthemums, and include some rosehip berries. Tie cinnamon sticks together with gold or copper chenille stems (pipe cleaners). 4 This arrangement can be hung as a wreath on your

door or gate, or used as a table centrepiece: place it on a gold platter and place a lime green candle in the middle.

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Ferrero Rocher-inspired Christmas

1 Cut an eight-inch floral foam ball in half with a sharp knife and soak the ball in water. Cover the entire half- sphere with cut stems of white gypsophila (baby’s breath).

2 Add in individual white carnation blooms, white miniature chrysanthemums and individual blooms of alstroemeria (princess lily).

3 Attach the cream Ferrero Rocher holders onto satay sticks and pop a Ferrero Rocher chocolate into each one (approximately nine to 12 pieces). Using hot glue, secure the silver or gold pinecones onto satay sticks. When dry, place into the arrangement at intervals, remembering to maintain the dome shape.

4 Find a beautiful silver vase and a plate that will sit securely inside, then place the arrangement on the plate.

RECOMMENDATIONS Fresh Flowers:

GG Fresh Flowers | 1 Tampines Street Ming Sing Flowers | #05-17/18/19 The Verge Gifts & | 222 Tagore Lane Karen French | karenfrenchfloraldesigns.com

Accessories: Floral Supplies:

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71 December15 Make Room , 9113 1274, make-room.net

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1, 7 Villeroy & Boch , 6500 3560, villeroy-boch.com.sg 2, 3 Arete Culture , 6310 8098, areteculture.com 4 Gaya Alegria , 8113 8030, gaya-alegria.com 5, 6 Make Room , 9113 1274, make-room.net

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8, 9, 10 Cuckoo , 9111 3598, cuckoo.com.sg 11 Make Room , 9113 1274, make-room.net 12 House of AnLi , 6235 3851, houseofanli.com

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13, 15, 16, 17 Villeroy & Boch, 6500 3560, villeroy-boch.com.sg 14, 20 Maissone, 6669 9681, maissone.com 18 Ni-Night, 6440 7567, ni-night.com 19 Prince Trees, princelandscape.com 21 Treasures of the Raj, 9173 5041, totr.pw 22 Cuckoo, 6B Dempsey Road, 9111 3598, cuckoo.com.sg

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