8 Chinese New Year Gift Ideas for Your Foodie Friends

Near or far, make your Chinese New Year extra huat this year with these thoughtful gifts. We’ve lined up some of the best gift ideas for your foodie friends so you don’t have to rack your brains. Surprise your friends and family with the classic yet elegantly decorated hamper or with delicious goodies to munch on. From cakes in special Chinese New Year flavours to healthy zero-sugar snack alternatives, there is something for everyone!

1. Seriously Keto

 

Singapore’s first wholly ketogenic bakery, Seriously Keto, is providing an array of healthier choice bakery offerings of low carbs, gluten-free and zero sugar sweets and savouries to desserts and pastries lovers. Their Chinese New Year collection features the quintessential classic such as Cashew Cookies (20 pcs per jar, $19.80), Kueh Buloh (12 pcs per jar, $16.80), and a savoury dessert with a local twist Pecan Coconut Tart ($88.80).

Also get the Seriously Prosperous Bundle – $118.80: featuring all three items for all the snack lovers out there!

Available from 11 January till 11 February 2021 via seriouslyketo.com and in-stores.

2. The Real Peranakan

Wait no longer for Chef Philip’s 5 Specialty Sauces, an intense concentrate of his labour of love, bottled for sale! With The Real Peranakan, add a dash of piquant Peranakan flavours minus the days-long prep work to up the ante this Chinese new year. Sauces available include the Babalicious XO Sauce ($32.00++/250g) made from only the best premium dried prawns from Penang, TRP Famous Sambal Belachan ($18.00++/250g), the spicy and sweet Specialty Sambal Ikan Bilis ($19.00++/250g) as well as the Exclusive Sambal Buah Keluak ($28.80++/250g) which showcases a full-bodied blend of TRP Famous Sambal Belachan and Chef’s signature Buah Keluak recipe. Not forgetting the All-Purpose Dipping Sauce ($18.00++/250g), a distinct herbal flavour with slight tangy notes from lime juice that pairs wonderfully with fried foods and is sure to be an instant crowd favourite!

Artisanal small batch Yuzu Pineapple Tarts ($38.80/390g) are available as well, limited to 500 bottles. Golden Pineapple Balls ($24.00), Vegetarian Almond Cookies ($16.00), Delectable Love Letters ($18.00) and Shrimp Rolls ($14.50) are also available too.

Available for pre-order in-stores, or over the phone at +65 9783 1118, while stocks last.

3. 3. Ah Mah Homemade Cakes

Although gatherings continue to remain intimate this Chinese New Year, show care from afar with these adorable goodies from Ah Mah! Bundle up both Moo Moo Cookies and Sunflower Cookies ($28.80) or savour the fluffy and fragrant CNY Orange Castella Cake ($12.80).

Irresistibly cute, Ah Mah’s Moo Moo Cookies ($15.80/bottle) are made with premium butter and boasts a filling of delectable pineapple paste. For those who nibble off the crumbly butter pastry leaving the sticky pineapple paste left uneaten, Ah Mah has thoughtfully included more addictive heart-shaped and lucky four-leaf clover butter cookies to satisfy those munching craves!

A quintessential festive treats to have at the table this Chinese New Year, Ah Mah’s pocket-friendly Sunflower Cookies ($12.80/bottle) are mildly sweet, open-faced pineapple tart.

Available in-stores and online at www.ah-mah.com.sg, with free islandwide delivery with a minimum order of $80.

4. Châteraisé

Châteraisé presents the New Sumo Citrus Range to Usher in an ‘Ox’-picious ‘Niu’ Year! Their latest product range – Sumo Citrus (Shiranui) – symbolises good luck as we usher in the New Year. Produced in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, these legendary Sumo Citrus or oversized mandarins are a hybrid of Kiyomi and Ponkan mandarins. They are celebrated for their exceptional sweetness and so named for the distinctive “top knot” said to resemble that of a sumo wrestler. Only available in season for four months out of the year from January through April, the exclusive Sumo Citrus boasts unmatched sweetness and incredibly juicy pulp with a refreshing slight tartness, and 1.6 times more Vitamin C than the usual mandarin oranges!

Châteraisé showcases the Sumo Citrus in eight individual sliced variants, as well as in whole cakes and a tart, starting from $5.10 for a sliced cake.

Available from 22 January 2021 (Friday) to 28 February 2021 (Sunday), and are also available for pre-order online at https://chateraisesg.getz.co/

5. The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore

If you can’t visit your loved ones this Chinese New Year, show that you’re still thinking of them with The Capitol Kempinski’s CNY Prosperity Hamper from $288+ (Petite) and $388+ (Grand). Cocooned within an elegant barrel box are quintessential favourites including pineapple tarts, kueh bang kit and green pea cookie — along with premium must-haves like canned abalone, dried oyster and dried black moss. The hamper is completed with a box of TWG tea leaves and a luxuriant bottle of red wine.

Available for pre-order from now till 26 February 2021, with an advance order of at least 3 days. Collection starts from 10 January 2021. 15% Early Bird Privilege applies to all advanced online shop purchases at shop-capitolkempinski.com until 3 February 2021 only.

6. Joy Luck Teahouse

Joy Luck Teahouse launches Chinese New Year exclusive Gold Egg Tarts for the first time – perfect for gifting this festive season!

From 22 to 24 January 2021, Gold Egg Tarts will be exclusively available at Joy Luck Teahouse’s newest outlet at Parkway Parade, and will be available at all outlets from 25 January 2021, while stocks last. Prices are as follows:

  • 1 piece: S$6
  • 4 pieces: S$22.80 ($5.50 /pc)
  • 6 pieces: S$28.80 ($4.80/pc)

Pre-order the Gold Egg Tarts here: http://bit.ly/joyluckpreorder

7. Paradise Group of Restaurants

Liven up the Lunar New Year festivities with Paradise Group’s special handmade CNY goodies such as Steamed Yam Cake with Chinese Sausage, Golden Fa Gao with Red Date, Steamed Nian Gao with Coconut Milk, and Steamed Carrot Cake with Chinese Sausage. Weighing 1.2kg each, the yam and radish used in its festive cakes are freshly minced upon production. Each festive cake is priced at $29.80, or get the Festive Cake Trio Set (Steamed Yam Cake with Chinese Sausage, Steamed Nian Gao with Coconut Milk, and Steamed Carrot Cake with Chinese Sausage) at $86.80 (PGR member price: $72.80).

There is also a Festive Goodies Trio Set which comes with addictive Nutty Almond Cookie, Butter Cookie, and Honey Sesame Walnut ($56.80, PGR member price: $48.80).

Available for takeaway at Canton Paradise, Beauty in The Pot (The Centrepoint) and Paradise Dynasty outlets only from 7 January 2021 onwards, while stocks last. Kindly take note that festive cakes are chilled at the point of collection, and require reheating before consumption.

8. The Connoisseur Concerto (tcc)

Besides auspicious seasonal dishes and beverage, tcc will also unveil contemporary classic Chinese New Year goodies that will enliven any house party! Goodies include Love Letters (S$24.80+/380g),

crumbly and buttery Fortune Pineapple Tarts (S$28.80+/400g), the crunchy and irresistible Hae Bee Hiam (Shrimp Rolls) (S$19.80+/250g), Gula Melaka Cookies (S$19.80+/250g) and the melt-in-your mouth Salted Caramel Cookies ($19.80+/150g)!

Save a fortune with the Fortune Bundle at S$45+ (U.P S$59.40+); simply mix and match any 3 CNY Goodies: Shrimp Rolls/ Gula Melaka Cookies/ Salted Caramel Cookies and let tcc pack them up in a handy and festive packaging for you.

Available from 18 January 2021 to 5 February 2021 at https://order.theconnoisseurconcerto.com/, pre-order and enjoy 20% off with the early bird offer on Chinese New Year Goodies.

 

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Inexpensive Ways To Improve Your Home Office

For most people, working from home is their fantasy come to life. However, it comes with its own challenges. Mentally transitioning from “personal mode” to “professional mode” can be difficult if you are physically on the same place and just steps away from your bed. How can someone be inspired to produce outputs on such cozy conditions?

While it is easy to wear sweatpants in the home office, you need to establish new routines to improve your productivity. Take time to thoughtfully choose the right setup. Improving your home office is a worthy investment of your time and money.

#1: INVEST ON A BACK PILLOW

If you do not have the budget to purchase an ergonomic chair, revamp a standard chair by adding a back pillow. You can buy an affordable curved foam cushion for your chair or roll up a towel to act as your back support. This will give you the comfort you need for countless hours of working.

#2: RAISE YOUR DEVICE

Notice how you are working. Usually, your monitor or laptop screen is too low. This is why many people hunch over or crack their necks in the working process. There are two simple solutions. Firstly, you may purchase a laptop stand or riser. The stand allows a few inches of height and tilt. Secondly, you can add a few books under the base of your monitor. Raise it to a comfortable height. You will know what is best!

#3: ORGANIZE YOUR CORDS

There is nothing more annoying than tangled cords. If you are working from home, you are more likely to rely on several devices to keep your efficiency up. Manage the excessive cords by using zip-ties or double-sided Velcro. You can add labels too.

#4: KEEP A CLOTH BESIDE YOU

Do not let pet hair or dust distract you. Keep an inexpensive microfiber cloth on your desk to wipe your screen or your table. You can use two cloth towels – one for wet substances and one for dry substances. Replace these towels every day. Alternatively, you may use a pack of disinfectant wipes to clean your surfaces.

#5: BOOST YOUR LIGHT

Lighting is the key. Having a good light can have a significant impact on one’s concentration and productivity. In fact, a study showed 16% increase in efficiency by using good office lighting. Boost your productivity by repurposing a vintage or antique table lamp.

#6: ADD SOME PLANTS

Image credits: pixabay.com

You must never underestimate the power of nature. Adding a few plants on your home office will not only make it aesthetically pleasing, but also make it a suitable place to work. Plants have positive effects on one’s body and mind. Improve your mood by adding indoor plants to your space. The snake plant is my personal favorite!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Shop Giant’s Lower Prices That Last & more online and take $20 off your first 3 orders!

If you’ve not heard of Giant’s Lower Prices That Last (LPTL), you’re seriously missing out on tons of savings. Giant has lowered the costs on over 600 essentials, and more have been added in the past several weeks. If there is no Giant near you, don’t panic. These items are also available ONLINE!

Not only can you enjoy FREE delivery (for purchases above $59), Giant is now giving you even more reason to shop online – $20 OFF your 1st 3 orders with promo code <GIANT20>.

We’ve picked out some favourites from what customers are loving, now that prices are lower – for longer.

Groceries & Daily Essentials

Choose from hundreds of kitchen must-haves such as:

LEE KUM KEE Panda Oyster Sauce 510g

This oyster sauce is made from selected oyster extracts and has a flavourful taste and a vivid hue, making it an excellent all-purpose sauce for marinating or stir-frying. It contains no preservatives and flavour enhancers to give you the best for your health and taste buds.

SWANSON Clear Chicken Broth 250ml

Swanson Broth offers the best combination of chicken, vegetables, and seasonings. Use it for boiled soups, steamboat bases, noodles, or everyday dishes to bring a deep and distinctive taste to your food preparations without any added fat.

KEWPIE Dressing Roasted Sesame 210ml

This signature Japanese-style thick salad dressing’s main ingredient is the tasty, bold flavour of deep-roasted, whole sesame seeds. Perfect for sandwiches, cold spaghetti, sauce dip, or all varieties of meat marinade.

CABBAGE Vegetable Cooking Oil 2L

Cabbage brand’s vegetable cooking oil is desirable for Asian cuisine that involves a lot of stir-frying and deep-frying. Make a switch to this label if you want an option that is cholesterol- and trans-fat free.

Fresh Picks

There’s also a wide variety of fresh picks to feed the whole family:

Vannamei Prawns

During the Lunar New Year feasting, prawns are a staple ingredient because of their pronunciation in Cantonese (har) that mirrors the sound of laughter. If you want to be overflowing with joy and laughter this Chinese New Year, remember to fill your dining table with it.

Golden Pomfret

And since we are on the topic of Chinese New Year, don’t miss out on adding some golden pomfret to your upcoming festive feasting. We bet you have heard of the Chinese phrase “年年有余” (nián nián yǒu yú). Get greater abundance in 2021 by adding this symbolic food to your meals!

Minced Pork

Minced pork is as delicious as it is versatile. It makes a great ingredient in stir-fries and just as wonderful in making meatballs or to sweeten up a bowl of noodles. Impress your loved ones with some dan dan noodles or some Sichuan pork dumplings for your next family gathering.

Fresh Vegetables

Don’t forget your daily greens! You can now take your daily pick from vegetable varieties at a discount for any 3 for $2, including sio peck chye, chye sim, and kang kong. There are also options for Popeye the sailor’s favourite food – red, round, and sharp spinach.

Homeware & Appliances

Giant is a true one-stop shop, and you can get not only groceries but thousands of other essential items for any family and/or home. From kitchen appliances such as affordable air fryers and fans to electronics like TVs and home cleaning products, you can get these bulky items conveniently delivered to your doorstep. No more lugging it back if you shop for them online!

MY CHOICE Stand Fan MC40 16″

The 16-inch fan with 3-speed rates and oscillation supplies consistent air for optimal ventilation in an enclosed room. Its height and length are adjustable to ensure adequate wind circulation. It is also formulated against overheating with energy-saving properties. Wave goodbye to monthly shock on electricity bills!

4ft Folding Table (122 cm x 61cm x 74cm)

This folding table is one of Giant Online’s bestsellers –  super useful for your Chinese New Year get-togethers, or if you just need that extra tabletop space. Leave the heavy lifting to Giant and get this conveniently delivered to your home if you order online.

TCL TVs

 

A new year calls for new digital devices! Display the best visual effects of movies, binge the latest shows in 4K display, and experience improved details and vibrant view of your game sessions with TCL TV selections from Giant, at super affordable prices. For smarter management of your TV, download the TCL’s MagiConnect App on iOS or Android.

Kitchen & Home Appliances

Last but not least are appliances for your everyday cooking or baking needs. Super affordable air fryers, rice cookers, juice blenders are all available online! Not to forget CNY must-haves, such as cookers for your steamboat meals.

POWERPAC Ceramic Cooker 2000W + FREE Yuan Yang Stainless Pot

There’s no better time than now to get a ceramic cooker since it’s on a 22% discount at Giant. Your purchase will come with a FREE yuan yang stainless pot too so you can enjoy two types of broths during your get-together meals over the festive period.

Say goodbye to crowds and shop for groceries 24/7!

Giant is committed to dropping prices and has done so for two months and counting. Furthermore, there are no plans to stop knowing that many families have managed to stretch their dollar from shopping at Giant.

Any comparatively minor savings you gain will go a long way. With this extra cash, you can reward your family with a mid-year staycation indulgence, or have “ang bao” money for your family this Chinese New Year!

Shop at Giant if you want to see a giant difference in grocery shopping habits this new year. Don’t forget to use promo code <GIANT20> when shopping on Giant Online to enjoy $20 OFF – super useful if you do not have a store near you.

Click here to find out more about the promo code, or shop online now!

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How To Lose Weight Gained During Pandemic

Change in eating habits is one of the evident changes that 2020 brought us. In fact, almost one-third of Singaporeans gained weight during the pandemic. The average increase in weight of 500 Singaporean respondents was 5 kilograms.

It is not difficult to realize why someone gained weight during the pandemic. For starters, we spent most of our time at home. From cooking our comfort food to having easy access to food delivery apps, COVID-19 created a perfect storm for people who struggle with weight.

Our lives have been disrupted in a massive way. Fitness studio closures have upended exercise routines and stress elevated for parents who suddenly had to work from home while teaching their kids. Some people had to postpone medical check-ups too. The stress brought by this challenging time influenced how we consume food. To change your eating habits for the better, you must start small. You do not need to break the bank for that!

TAKE SMALL STEPS

We are all stressed right now. Trying to overhaul your lifestyle completely will add more to the plate. Instead, ask yourself what small step you can take to change your eating habits. You may start by eliminating processed or junk food from your daily menu.

CREATE A DAILY ROUTINE

Eat on a schedule. Work from home means you have access to food 24/7. Your days are probably less structured too. Hence, you must plan for your lunch and breaks. Stick to this schedule and be aware of what you take in. If you wear loose-fitting clothes every day, it is easier to ignore the weight gain.

CONTROL YOUR PORTIONS

Trick your brain to eating less by using a smaller plate. You can also drink a big glass of water before you eat. You can eat proteins first, because they will make you feel fuller. Controlling your portions can help you lose weight.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

SCHEDULE TIME FOR EXERCISE

As you are mainly working from home, you may try other forms of physical activity such as online Yoga classes. Exercise is not the primary factor for weight loss, but it plays a role in keeping weight off once you lose it. It helps you maintain your current weight, boost your mood, and strengthen your body.

GET QUALITY SLEEP

Focus on healthy eating, regular exercises, and getting a good night’s sleep to foster weight loss. This means enjoying seven to eight hours of sleep a night. According to experts, “there is a lot of evidence that people who do not get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight or obese.” Sleep, to some extent, affects our physical and mental well-being.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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11 realisations we had while watching the first part of Bling Empire

Bling Empire Netflix cover image

Bling Empire’s the rage right now. It’s probably one of the trending keywords in Singapore and among several other Asian communities. The new reality show by Netflix which aired on 15 January features the life stories of a group of rich Asians living in Los Angeles. This includes Kane Lim, a Singaporean cast member. 

We read from an exclusive interview that Kane gathered his LA friends to form Bling Empire’s cast. Together with Kelly Mi Li, they were the ones who pitched the reality show idea to Jeff Jenkins. Jenkins is the producer who was in charge of Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ production.

There are already a couple of reviews on Bling Empire, so we will spare you from that. What we are keen on focusing on is not the way the rich flaunt their wealth. Instead, while watching the program, we had some meaningful realisations. Here are 12 that stuck with us while watching the first part (episodes 1 to 4).

Fashion & Business

#1: Less is more when it comes to jewellery

Less is more when it comes to jewellery

Do you agree with Christine that more is more when it comes to jewellery? Putting the wealthy mindset aside, we agree more with Coco Chanel that simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance. It’s also wise that you heed this advice, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.”

#2: Never put the offer first

Never put the offer first

This is some wise advice on the art of negotiation. While it may not work in every workplace or client discussion, if you can, take it from Kane to allow the other party to give you an offer first before closing the deal. This could even work for a new job’s salary negotiation if done wittily and correctly!

Life & Relationships

#3: Live life to its fullest

Live life to its fullest

What a powerful reminder to have at the start of 2021. Everyone has their definition of what “fullest” means. No matter the intention, we think it’s essential that we live life within our means. Hold that swipe at the store if you think you won’t be able to clear that credit card bill at the end of its cycle.

#4: The right person will come along when it’s due

The right person will come along when it’s due

Kim shared in Bling Empire that her mum advocates the idea of working hard, being independent, and not worrying about any man. This is especially true for ladies (and gentlemen) who are worried about their love life. Focus on yourself first, and the right person will come to you when it’s due.

#5: Sex benefits of caviar

Sex benefits of caviar

According to Cherie, caviar is a natural viagra for men. We researched and found that high-fat animal foods like caviar can help stimulate the production of sex hormones such as testosterone. Think you can afford some to boost your libido? Check out where to have premium caviar in Singapore.

#6: True change takes time

True change takes time

Dr Bethany Marshall, the psychoanalyst who was featured during Kelly and Andrew’s therapy session, revealed an excellent point. That is, real change takes place slowly. While it’s good to be quick to forgive, remember that a person does not overturn their bad habits overnight. Be sure to give it some time before you reassess your relationships status and make the next move.

#7: Ability to control people with money

Ability to control people with money

While discussing the topic of surrogacy, Christine’s husband, Dr Gabriel Chiu, commented that when it comes to using money to control people, it’s possible. What are your thoughts? Considering most of us being placed towards the end on a financial spectrum, would you gladly be governed by the rich using money as a weapon?

#8: Need for privacy in sharing about your relationship

Need for privacy in sharing about your relationship

We’ve got to agree with Andrew that privacy is necessary for a relationship. Oversharing your relationship issues can stir up troubles, especially if your partner is one that values privacy. Kane shared in an episode about Kelly’s sex life with Andrew and Kevin. As Ryan Howes, a psychologist in Pasadena, California, rightly points out, “Without consent, discussing the specifics of your sex life should be a no-no.”

#9: Be respectful as a house guest

Be respectful as a house guest

With the approaching Chinese New Year, there’s no better time than now to remind yourself to be respectful when home visiting. Kim and Guy are the exact opposite of who you should be – walking into Anna’s bedroom and shower and then invading her privacy by throwing a penis pump out of her house window in front of other guests.

#10: Apologies has its limits

Apologies has its limits

Kevin decided to be the bigger person and apologise because Kim felt no remorse in her actions. Though it’s praiseworthy to be the person apologising when it seems like you’re not at fault, sometimes it’s better to let the situation cool before relooking into it again. This is to prevent similar problems from happening again.

#11: Perspectives matter

Perspectives matter

It takes courage to look back on one’s life and make a comment as Anna did. In episode four, Anna revealed that though she had four marriages and then divorced following, it was good. No, we’re not backing that divorce is the only way out for problematic relationships, but more of seeing the good in the past while moving on to the next chapter in life. All things happen for a reason!

Did the abovementioned realisations speak to you? Watch it on Nextflix if you’re keen! Meanwhile, please excuse us as we continue with the second half of Bling Empire for more life takeaways.

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