This eclectic mix of design lead products for the home and for oneself is hand selected by Rima with the objective of selecting beautiful things to enhance where you live. All the designers are new and upcoming and exclusive to Shiva Designs in Singapore.
Some of our favourites are the stunning Samantha Robinson range of ceramics (as pictured). From the bestselling and fun-loving watermelon bowl to the gorgeous teapot, teacups and illuminators, we just love these handmade porcelain treasures with their print like design. Another fetish is our love for ell skin, and Pratten meets this desire. Try and stop at just one of their lovely wallets, bags, travel wallets, belts, purses, clutches or cuffs (as pictured) - it's tricky!
New to Shiva Designs is the playfully designed Nancybird bags and accessories. The collection (made in Italian leather) has a raw, earthly feel and much of the range has been hand printed in Melbourne.
For the home, don't miss Pippijoe's organic screen printed textiles, alone with the cheeky Make Me Iconic collection of cushions and tea towels - just perfect for those from Melbourne or Sydney with their cheeky dig at which is the better city (of course, Sydney is the correct answer).
Shiva Designs also stock the famous Savon de Marseille soap range. Rich with olive and palm oils, all-natural and lightly scented, there is a reason why this beloved French soap is beside every sink in France.
New to Shiva Designs are chunky French wine and water goblets with their bee printed design. Another drool-worthy range is the bright and botanically inspired porcelain jewellery from Angus and Celeste.
Prepare for decision dilemmas - but if you really can't choose, you can always organise a shopping voucher for the hard-to-buy for. Just give the ever-so-lovely Rima a call on 9184 6049, or email her at rima@shiva-designs.com.
Shiva Designs, 2 Martin Place, 31-02 Martin Place Residences, Singapore, 237 988, by appointment. p. 9184 6049 e.a href="mailto:rima@shiva-designs.com">rima@shiva-designs.com.
Emma first sat at her sewing machine when she was 12. She was then classically trained in fashion, and became a couturier of wedding and evening gowns. So when Emma moved to Singapore with a toddler and soon a baby girl on the way, she cleverly created a new fabulous line - Emma Laue Children.
Ok - we admit it. We have secretly had her making clothes for our kids for the last year - but now everyone has the chance to dress their little people in her gorgeous designs.
From the bright blues of the Penelope Pinafore, sunny yellow Madeleine top, to the lovely pink and greens in the Piper Romper, paired with hot pink knickers the girls range is drool worthy.
But the boys are not forgotten. We love the fisherman style pants in the Henry shorts, and the funky Cassius shorts with their oversized pockets will make the Dad's envious.
Perfect for gifts (especially as Emma offers free gift wrapping and happily exchanges), this first collection is for boys & girls aged 0-3... we are holding our breath for the bigger kid's sizes coming soon.
Best bit? The quality. Designed for the hot (and hard wearing) Singapore climate the fabrics are all cotton and linen. The attention to detail is second to none ... we even found Emma re-stitching buttons personally - now that's quality control!
Come and see it for yourself!
You are invited to view the range at the Emma Laue launch:
When: Thursday 16 Feb 2012 from 930-130pm
Where: 68 Trevose Crescent, 03-11 Trevose Park, lift lobby 7
Alternatively, view the range online, or like the Emma Laue facebook page to be the first to know of her new collections.
Specialising in exotic skins, the recently launched Kyle Keefe is a bespoke women's leather shoe and accessory line... and Kyle brings custom made to a whole new level.
Kyle Keefe captures the true essence of luxury in each pair of bespoke shoes. From fit to style, quality of leather, texture and colour, every detail is handcrafted with immaculate precision so you get your own unique piece.
You can choose from cow, calf, lamb, sea snake, land snake, python, lizard, stingray, ostrich, and crocodile - each exotic skin is available in virtually any colour. The range has launched with five styles of shoes and several clutch handbags.
Contact Kyle for a personal appointment and fitting - and you can choose any design to be customized and tailored to specific desires... and mention Honeycombers for a special discount on your piece!
Kyle Keefe p. 8223 8535 or see the Kyle Keefe facebook page for more details. kwk@kyle-keefe.com
Clothes are seasonal, trends are expensive, and buying mass-produced items always leaves you in the danger of turning up in something someone else is already wearing.
A one-stop solution? Shop vintage.
Here we've rounded up five of Singapore's best vintage boutiques.
1. Stevie General Store
A relatively new kid on the block to excite vintage aficionados and newbies. Storeowners Bridget and Hwee Yee personally source their items from all over the world and make it a point to keep their prices low. As a bonus, the service here is impeccable: Bridget tailors her recommendations based on your taste and body type.
Prices: From $40 to $140.
Where: Stevie General Store, 93 Club Street Level 1, Singapore 069461. Open Tue-Sun after 3pm. Ph: 6536 8590.
2. Deja Vu Vintage
If you prize quality, swing by Deja Vu Vintage: every item is inspected, dry-cleaned, steam-pressed, and mended before going up. Prices do run steeper here but you won't find run-of-the-mill polyester dresses. Expect double-lined clothes, well-tailored dresses, and heavy fabrics. Trust us: that dress you're about to take home is worth every penny.
Prices: From $129 to $1000+ for designer clothes.
Where: Deja Vu Vintage, 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-70 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596. Open Mon-Sun 11am-9pm. Ph: 6338 8013.
3. Granny's Day Out
Good things really do come in small packages - this well-curated gem is packed with 1930s to the 1980s pieces. Ordinarily we would pinpoint a store's niche, but Granny's Day Out truly covers all bases. Helmed by former fashion stylist Loh Hsiao Ying (who is more than happy to divulge stylists' secrets to customers!), we've found clothes for any occasion in every style imaginable. Vintage junkies - this one's for you.
Prices: From $39 for skirts to $135 onwards for evening wear.
Where: Granny's Day Out, 3 Coleman Street, #03-25 Peninsula Shopping Centre, Singapore 519963. Open Mon - Sat 1pm-8pm, Sun and public holidays 130pm-630pm. Ph: 6336 9774.
4. Dustbunny Vintage
Meeting a stranger in a dark corner of a club probably isn't the ideal way of beginning a friendship, but we've never regretted this particular one. We first met Pia Chew, founder of Dustbunny Vintage, at the quarterly organized Zouk flea market. And although her eclectic store in the West is no centrally-located Zouk, it's definitely worth visiting.
If you're in the market for a vintage handbag, let Pia guide you through - designer vintage bags often appreciate in value over time if you know what to buy.
Prices: From $35 to $280 for clothes and $260 onwards for designer handbags.
Where: Dustbunny Vintage, Block 112 Bukit Purmei Road, #01-203, Singapore 090112. Open Tue-Fri 12nn-8pm, weekends 1pm-6pm. p. 6274 4200.
5. Dulcetfig
Great news for shoppers who don't like to be tailed by fervent retail assistants! The owner of this quaint store, Lovie Wong, is not a hustler, which makes the place so much more pleasant. Not that it's anything but: Lovie only stocks extremely wearable vintage designs, so first-time vintage shoppers can ditch their fears of '80s shoulder pads and don a flirty sundress instead.
Prices: From $40 to $200.
Where: Dulcetfig, 41 Haji Lane, Singapore 189234. Open Mon-Sat 1pm-10pm, Sun 1pm-8pm. Ph: 6396 5648.
Image courtesy of Dulcefig.
Fine Art - Sponsored Listing
From the haute couture world comes Phuong Dang. After spending 10 years creating high fashion make-up looks, Phuong has applied her creativity to canvas. Expect beautiful large scale abstract oils on canvas. See at the solo show put together by Source 53 Contemporary Fine Art .
When: Opens Sat 4 Feb 2012, join the opening reception from 330-530pm, Until 31 Mar 2012
Where: Taberna Wine Bar, 17 Binjai Park 589825 p. 9771 1102 wendy@source53.com
Iceberg Date
Step on board RMS Titanic for the first time in Southeast Asia, and experience the majestic and dramatic maiden voyage of the iconic Ship almost 100 years after it set sail in 1912. The exhibition takes visitors through the ship's conception, construction, sailing day and life on board. Follow the fateful iceberg, the Titanic's sinking and the discovery of the wreck, whilst listening throughout to the incredible stories of her passengers and crew.
When: now until 29 April 2012, 10am-10pm
Where: Art Science Museum, Marina Bay Sands, more details here
Amazing Song
A different kinda song... Check out the amazing moving masterpiece The Song Dynasty - an animated painting. Its a reproduction of the Qing Ming Shange He Tu (a staggering 128m x 6.5m!) featuring characters that can move and talk.
When: until 6 Feb 2012, 9am-9pm weekends 12n-9pm weekdays
Where: Hall 3 Singapore Expo Convention Centre, see www.amovingmasterpiece.com
Super Start - Sponsored Listing
Get ready for some football this Super Bowl Monday at Brewerkz Riverside Point. It's early but the beers will be cold, eggs will be frying and the coffee on, plus it's LIVE!
Goody bags, lucky draw and more!
When: Monday 6 Feb 2012, Doors open at 6am, kick-off at 7.30am
Where: Brewerkz Restaurant & Microbrewery, 30 Merchant Road #01-05/06 Riverside Point S(058282)
Sad but true, the fabulous high quality European kids toy and accessory store we all know and love - Flynnish is moving out of its Cluny Court address this month.
So while we are sad to see this colourful store (that bursts fabulous products) close - there is a silver lining...
Flynnish is having a massive moving out sale. With 10-50% of everything in store for the month of February - this is the perfect place to stop by to fill that present cupboard for the birthday party season that has already commenced.
Fill the cupboard with Nouvelles Images & MimiLou bright stickers, GooischeFrutsels handmade kids jewellery, Kidsonroof's Dollhouses & 3D construction kits (made from recycled cardboard), Colorique's handbags, storage bags, duvet covers, table tents, cushions plus Koeka clothes, BamBam cuddly toys, the oh-so retro Froy&Dind keepsake tins and more...
Once you have cleaned up, go online to their facebook page or go to their website to sign up for their newsletters so you can keep in touch with the creative Flynnish team.
You never know where you will see this fun and fab kids & room deco range pop up again!
When: 1-28 Feb 2012. Open everyday 10am-5pm.
Where: Cluny Court #02-03, 501 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259760. p. +65 6875 0430
JAAN
This intimate stalwart still offers spectacular views with their fine dining modern French menu. If the intimate restaurant proper doesn't seem amorous enough, splurge on the special private 9-course helipad option available to one couple only.
Where: JAAN, Level 70, Equinox Complex, Swissôtel The Stamford, 9199 9008, $9999
Wonder Full Light and Water Spectacular
What isn't a little kitschy about Valentine's Day? Embrace the moment and settle yourselves outside Marina Bay Sands to be surrounded by lasers, water jets, projected images and music. It's free, so you can even afford to toast with some French bubbles.
Where: Event Plaza At The Promenade, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave, 6688 8868, 8 and 9.30pm see here for more details.
Santi
To prevent unsightly muffin tops in your slinky new dress, opt for drinks and tapas rather than a heavy meal. Santi is suitably high end to impress plus it doesn't allow children under 5. What's more romantic than that?
Where: Santi, #L2-03 Casino Level 2 Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688 8501
Capella Singapore
Sometimes it's worth considering Sentosa. The quiet surrounds are ideal for a chilled weekend getaway in a one bedroom villa with private plunge pool and outdoor shower. Ignore the monstrous Resorts World and you'll think you're in Bali.
Where: Capella, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, 6591 5000, "Romantic Respite" package from $979, see our full review here
Halia
Venture out to an old favourite for their four course Valentine's set menu, "Poetic Expressions of Love". In among the tranquil Singapore Botanic Gardens they offer a mobile phone sitting service - so your partner has no excuses to be playing Angry Birds at the table.
Where: Halia, Ginger Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd, 8444 1148, $200 per couple
Avoid the hassles of the ever changing ever-changing credit card promotions and invest in a proper dining program that guarantees you'll always get sweet restaurant discounts.
Palate
This newbie ensures that one person dines free (for parties of between two to five) at more than 40 prestigious addresses such as il Lido and Keystone Restaurant. Older Chinese relatives to entertain? Chose from any of the Tung Lok restaurants.
Where: see palate.sg or call 6592 0526 for more information, from $428
Feed At Raffles
This old favourite still provides discounts to 28 outlets across 5 hotels. Like the other two programs, the discount essentially ensures one diner eats free (for up to 5 diners). Ideal if you host lots of clients around the CBD.
Where: see Feed At Raffles , or call 6221 9881 for more information, from $415.16
Club At The Hyatt
Grand Hyatt's Orchard locale is perfect for families, entertaining or meeting friends. There's traditional Italian at Pete's Place (no chicken floss here) or street food for out-of-towners at Straits Kitchen - all for up to 50% off.
Where: see Club At The Hyatt or call 6416 7000 for more information, from $388
Or maybe it's because you are working so hard...
Could just be having two kids...
Or maybe it's just the hot weather...
Hate to sound like your mother (or worse, your mother-in-law) but tiredness, extreme fatigue, lethargy and breathlessness are all signs of iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, and it's estimated that at least 8 per cent of women are iron deficient.
Toddlers, women of child-bearing age and athletes are at greatest risk. Iron is important in the body for a number of jobs - transporting oxygen, help fighting infection, and converting food into energy. The symptoms of iron deficiency can be subtle and gradual, making it a hard one to pick up - until you are exhausted and continually catching colds.
Women need twice as much iron as men, babies and toddlers also need an iron rich diet - to avoid them becoming tired and (more) irrational.
Use this quick iron calculator to check whether your iron intake is adequate. If you're like us and didn't get a favourable response, there is one easy solution. Eat more lean red meat.
Lean red meat is one of the most iron rich foods you can eat. Just 200g of beef steak or a cup of mince can double your iron intake (our iron intake was just 8mg, when it should be around 18mg!)
Hop online to TheButcher.com.sg - where right now they have specials on their boneless sirloin of beef, supremely tender and superb for roasting.
Delicious and iron rich.
Looking for a quick and easy iron rich recipe - see our Recipe of the Month
.
Here is an iron-boosting salad with steak and beans - and a secret ingredient lemon which helps you absorb more iron with each mouthful.
Ingredients
500g lean rib eye or rib fillet steak
1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tbs olive oil
1 cup corn kernels
800g canned red kidney beans, rinsed, drained
1 green capsicum chopped
Handful of rocket leaves
1 lemon juiced
2 spring onions, sliced on the diagonal for chef-like kudos
Don your apron and Betty Draper smile.
Pour G&T, add extra ice, and begin...
1. Mix 1 teaspoon of cumin and Worcestershire sauce, and coat the fillet in sauce.
2. Heat oil in frypan over medium-high heat, cook steak for about 5 mins each side, sit to rest.
3. Blanch corn, open beans, wash and drain. Add remaining lemon juice, rocket leaves and cumin to bean mixture. Toss well (we do like saying that)...
4. Slice the steak, capsicum and spring onion with chef like attitude. Toss gently with salad mixture.
5. Once finished tossing, pour large glass of red wine, and feel good about your iron rich meal you are about to enjoy.
This recipe was brought to you by The Butcher, 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-50, Singapore, p.6472 0073. Order online at www.thebutcher.com.sg. Free delivery for orders over $100, otherwise $10 delivery fee applies.
Now we have a different weapon of choice in the battle against frizzy hair...
Kerastraight a formaldehyde free (read: safe as houses) version of the Brazilian Blowout.
A great name, but are the results the same as the original Brazilian?
Would we get the same relaxed frizz-free locks?
And what is it?
To answer your questions (and ours) we did a couple of road tests, because we were desperate to try it.
We were told the results would not be as good as the original Brazilian, but we could expect relaxed frizz-free, rather than super-straight locks. We are pleased to report that we found it almost every bit as good as the original. Our hair is straight, frizz free and most importantly, always ready for a hot date!
So those with really curly hair might not get the same result....but we think anything that helps win our daily battle over the frizz is worth every penny.
Better than a Brazilian Blowout? Maybe not, but at least you won't be risking your life for the sake of straight frizz free hair!
Where: Style by Louis, The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #03-65/66/67, p.6884 5335
Special Offer: Mention Honeycombers when you book and get $200 off your first Kerastraight treatment at his salon. Sweet Tresses! Terms and conditions apply.
Struth!
Lamingtons are 'a must' this Thursday. Celebrate Australia Day at Graze, where they have a special Australia Day menu, free flow James Boag for 2 hours ($30) and even some great Aussie indie tracks on the playlist.
When: Thu 26 Jan 2012
Where: Graze, Graze, Martin No. 38, 38 Martin Road, Singapore 239059, p. 6509 1680 & 4 Rochester Park p. 6775 9000
Pop Shop
Good news...The clever duo at By Invite Only are having their second pop-up shop. We love their hand-crafted jewellery, largely inspired by 18th century circuses and its taste of nostalgia but still modern enough to wear. Sneak peek here.
When: Sat 28 Jan 2012, 11am
Where: nana & bird, Tiong Bahru Commons, Blk 79 Chay Yan Street, 01-02, Singapore
Flower Power
Let your eyes drink in the amazing flowers at Sentosa Flowers. Pose by the huge flower bunny, cat, dragon or pig or any other zodiac sign and meet the flower people.
When: on until Sun 29 Jan 2012
Where: Merlion Park, Imbiah Lookout, Mount Faber, Resorts World, Sentosa, see flowers.sentosa.sg
Flashbang
Feeling the need to flea? Check out Flashbang 14. Bargains and originals wait to be discovered.
When: 28 & 29 Jan 2012, 2-8pm
Where: Singapore Flyer, SkyDeck, Level 2, see www.forfleasake.com
Stage Talk
Join local theatre reviewers for a pow-wow session (aka open panel discussion) about the current state of theatre at OpenRoads: Stage Talk. This is your opportunity to meet reviewers and converse about local plays.
When: Sat 28 Jan 2012, 2-6pm, Free.
Where: The Substation Theatre, The Substation, 45 Armenian Street, 179936
Dragon Year
Looking for some (more) Lion Dances and Chinese lanterns? Check out the spectacular fireworks and giant lanterns in the River Hongbao 2012 festival before it finishes! Dong dong chiang!!
When: continues until Sun 29 Jan 2012
Where: The Float at Marina Bay, see www.riverhongbao.sg/
Now, for the fashionistas, designers and wanna-be fashion stars - here is your opening of a life time.
Asia's aspiring fashion designers have just under a month to get their submissions in for Star Creation, the Asia-wide fashion design competition, and vie for their spot on the runway at the May finals in Singapore.
Registration for the competition closes on 31 January. So far, entries have already poured in from over the region, with an especially strong showing from Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
This year's theme, Fashion Without Frontiers, challenges aspiring designers to draw on the global palette of colour, culture, fabrics, aesthetics and style, and come up with creative, original and commercially viable collections.
Aspiring designers who would like to take part in Star Creation 2012 can register here.
Good luck!
]]>1. Cupcakes With Love
The name says it all. Divine, moist little treats include the Cranberry Boost, Red Velvet and the naughty Adult Chocolate (with rum). Definitely worth the additional cardio (and the slight guilt).
Where: 348 Tanjong Katong Rd., 6440 0450, see www.cupcakes.sg
2. Salon 916
It looks like an aunty-filled hairdresser, but trust us, the hair wash and head massage here is the best kept secret in the East. It might be old school but the treatment is so purrfectly blissful you won't even care.
Where: 916 East Coast Rd., 6445 5649
3. The French Bakery
No more excuses for buying Gardenia. Finally, we have a renaissance in bread to join our revived coffee scene. This new bakery has a decent mixture of sweet treats and savoury items including eggless recipes for those with allergies.
Where: 148 East Coast Rd., 6344 6826, see: www.thefrenchbakery.com.sg
4. Saveur
Its surrounds are not salubrious, but at $7.50 for foie gras and $8.90 for duck confit, what do you expect? French fare in a hawker centre is certainly quirky and brave enough to be worth a try.
Where: Stall 3, Ali Baba Eating House, 125 East Coast Road, 6100 1788, see Saveur facebook page
5. Polliwogs
Sick of Go Go Bambini and Fidgets? Polliwogs is another indoor children's play centre alternative with a substantial toddlers' play area as well as the requisite climbing frame for bigger kids. It's not PC, but there's even a fun "shooting" area.
Where: #01-02 1020 East Coast Parkway, 6442 2805, see www.polliwogs.com
1. Prima ballerina
Could your child be the next Darcy Bussell? DDreamz dance school runs fun ballet classes using music and stories. The classes are a great way of developing self-esteem and physical fitness too. Age 2.5+
We love: Their super-cute outfits and fun but no nonsense approach.
Cost: From $180 for 10 classes
Where: Liang Court, River Valley Road, see www.ddreamzintl.com
2. Child's pose
It's not just adults who can benefit from doing yoga. At new yoga studio, Casa Santosa, kids are taught about yoga and about body awareness, breathing and to be kind and compassionate, all invaluable skills as they grow older. Ages 4-10 (the classes are especially good for older kids). They also do prenatal yoga and will soon launch family yoga.
We love: The kids are all in one class and do different activities together, so it's fun too.
Cost: $30 per class/$270 for 10
Where: 11 Unity Street #02-15, Robertson Walk, see www.casasantosa.com
3. Acting up
Calling all budding actors. Drama classes at Centre Stage performing arts centre aim to develop curiosity, creativity and confidence. They're can even help bring shrinking violets out of their shells. Age 3 ½+
We love: The teachers, because they are so enthusiastic and engaged
Cost: $38 per class (run on a termly basis)
Where: Block 15 Woking Road, see centre-stage.com
4. Art-attack
Wouldn't you rather leave messy play for someone else to deal with? At Impressions Art studio, children can have fun discovering their inner artist and can make as much mess as they want. They can draw, paint or do pottery. There are also various drop-in classes for any age. Mums can even take their babies along to get their hands and footprints painted onto ceramic tiles. How cute! Scheduled classes are for age 5+.
We love: Lots of space, light and a relaxed environment.
Cost: from $200 for 6 art classes
Where: 02-25 Cluny Court, Bukit Timah Road, see impressions-art.com
5. Bend it like Beckham
Could your child be the next David Beckham or do they just like kicking a ball around? Youth football academy, Little League runs classes taught by expert coaches. The focus is on building self-confidence, developing young talent and of course, having fun. AND, it's a good way to burn up some energy. Ages 4-16.
We love: The pitch is covered so rain never stops play, plus it won't get too hot either.
Cost: $90 per term
Where: The Premier Pitch, Turf City, see littleleaguesoccer.com
6. Tried and tested
Tanglin Rugby Club provides Mini-rugby and junior rugby coaching for kids. They aim to encourage sportsmanship, friendship and team spirit, as well as producing winning players of tomorrow. Ages 4-17.
We love: What kid doesn't like getting covered in mud.
Cost: From $200 per year
Where: Turf City, see tanglinrugbyclub.com
8. Hip hop hurray
The freshest new dance studio to hit the scene is Street Beat. Acro Hip Hop classes teach kids basic tumbling and a bit of hip hop, to produce a cool routine at the end of their course. Ages 3-12.
We love: The teacher, Mr Jose. His enthusiasm and passion is infectious and the kids adore him.
Cost: $16 per class
Where: 116B Neil Road, China Town, see beatstreet.sg or contact Mr Jose on 9176 7577