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4 dishes you CANNOT miss at Carvers & Co.

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Located along the popular East Coast Road dining belt, Carvers and Co. is a homely restaurant that believes in contributing to our local cafe culture with authentic food, company and conversation. The opening of the restaurant also emphasises the well-known 'fact' that East-Siders have it better when it comes to food.

At least, judging by these photos anyway. (insert tummy rumble)

1. Herb Encrusted Roast Lamb Marinated In Buttermilk Honey And Mustard.



2. Roast Milkfish With Lemon And Thyme 




3. Rosemary Roast Chicken




4. Peanut Butter And Banana French Toast



(Don't be deceived by this simple fare. End off your meal with a sinfully sweet treat. Because we all have an extra stomach for dessert, right?)

And if you need one more reason to check this off your cafe-hopping bucket list, their cosy ambience is the perfect setting for one of those lazy afternoons of comfortable conversations over coffee with a loved one. 





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Looking for somewhere to take dad on Father's Day? 

Opening Hours
Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 10pm (last orders at 9.30pm)
Brunch: 10am to 2.30pm
Snack:s: 2.30pm to 6pm
Dinner: 6pm to 9.30pm 
 
Address
43 East Coast Road 
Singapore 428764
 
Reservations
6348 0448 or commune@carversand.co
 

Inside CLEO July

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In this issue, we take a page from girls who've survived relationships gone awry. Plus, word on the street is that we spout the F-word liberally. That's right; read our extensive coverage on feminism. And for something light-hearted, we're giving you a chance to win $13,000 in beauty products!

Don't miss: our cover girl Hailey Steinfield is the perfect mix of youth and maturity. Quite a rarity for a young Hollywood powerhouse!


The July issue of CLEO out now!

Review: Taylor Swift in Singapore

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I'll be honest, I am not a fan of T-Swizzle. In fact, to put things into perspective, I am more Avril Lavigne than Taylor Swift, in terms of personality and music choice. Truth is, I've always found Taylor's saccharine and bubbly outlook on life to be in stark contrast to the musicians I adore - the ones who were flawed, slightly rough 'round the edges and almost always in the folk or blues category. 

Yet, strangely, I found myself looking forward to her concert last Monday night. A few hours before seeing Ms Swift live, I started brushing up on my knowledge of her more popular songs. (YouTube had my back.) I even found myself putting my fave Taylor song "Teardrops On My Guitar" on repeat, and taking an interest in some of her newer hits, like "Invisible". Indeed, I was all pumped and ready for the concert like a true blue Swiftie.

Spoiler alert: Taylor did not disappoint me (nor the crowd of almost 8,000).


Taylor kicked off the evening on the main stage with popular radio tunes, like "Red" and "22", of which the latter got the largely adolescent crowd dancing in their seats. Her voice was crisp and clear. Every part of her performance was rehearsed with sheer dedication and commitment to giving her fans the best show.


Mid-way through the concert, she moved to a stage at the middle of the stadium, much to the delight of her fans who were seated towards the rear. Here, she crooned to her older, more classic hits, such as "You Belong With Me" and "Teardrops On My Guitar". I was pleasantly surprised because I didn't expect her to plug her older tunes. It was a thoughtful gesture, bridging the gap between her older fans (who would have seen her growth since her first album) and her younger ones (who might have just become Swifties). 

(Ms Swift is a huge fan of some intensive headbanging :P Me thinks she would make an awesome buddy to jam with.) 

Besides her flawless performance, the 1.5 hours were also peppered with Taylor's occasional musings. The singer filled the gaps in between songs with her raw thoughts on love and relationships - her pet topic.

And that was when I understood the hype surrounding the pop culture icon and brand that is Taylor Swift. Simply put, she wasn't afraid to discuss universal emotions. In fact, her fearlessness was oddly reassuring, almost like a confidant who has been through so much, that she gives you strength from her experiences to get through yours. There is something incredibly mesmerising about her brand of inspiration that would have made 16-year-old me believe I could achieve all my dreams. 

Although I am still not a Swiftie, I admit that I've since thrown out my skepticism surrounding her cheery disposition.

If I could sum up three things I learnt about her that night, it's these:
(1) the woman has a firm marketing head on her shoulders, which she uses to create an strong brand around her name,
(2) she's a flawless, theatrical performer, which might be your cup of tea if you love performances that make it seem like you're watching a beautifully directed movie, and
(3) she's a masterclass in exceeding expectations. I mean, I've heard good things about her performances, but I've always brushed off these admiring statements as mere hyperbole. That is, until I experienced the infectious energy live.

Thank you for a night I'll never forget, Tay Tay. 

Photo credits: Nicky Loh/TAS, Getty Images for TAS.
 

Road Test: John Frieda House of Experts

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Text: Kit Chua

Let me start by saying this – haircare isn’t in my vocabulary. Massively thick, naturally frizzy and (I admit) fairly damaged by an impulsive bleaching session, my hair requires taming, not care. Hair-managing, maybe, is what I do on a daily basis.
 
 

Today, my hair meets Ken Hong, Salon Director at EvolveSalon, and recently inaugural member of the John Frieda Singapore House of Experts. Alongside Next Salon’s Dexter Ng, Ken joins an international stable of star stylists that includes Harry Josh, Kerry Warn and Nicola Clarke. Which is to say that Ken, the man currently manhandling my locks and inspecting my scalp, knows his stuff. A trim, he decrees – to get rid of my nasty, unhealthy ends – and a session at the sink with the John Frieda Flawlessly Straight Shampoo and Conditioner. It all proceeds as per normal – my hair is washed, Ken performs his wizardry with the scissors, my hair is blown semi-dry…

Then Ken reappears, brandishing the new Frizz Ease Serum (the one with the pink column in the middle). He shows me how to separate my hair into four sections and apply the serum evenly throughout the ends. The trick, he says, is not to just run the fingers through the hair a handful of times, but to really work the product carefully through the hair, repeating as often as necessary. And then my hair is blown out.
 

Truthfully, I am seriously taken aback. Though Ken has cut a good two inches off my ends, not all of the hair that was subjected to bleach is gone. And yet, my hair is miraculously straight, shiny and healthy. Wait, what? At home, I’d normally use a shampoo, treatment mask, and no less than three haircareproducts to achieve less glossy results. What sorcery is this?

Salon sorcery, my skeptical side tells me. So home I go to put the goods to a proper test. Given the damaged status of my hair, I am recommended the restorative John Frieda Full Repair series. After shampooing and conditioning, I rub the Full Repair serum into my hair, as per Ken's instructions. A quick blow dry later and my hair is glossy, soft and voluminous. Too voluminous, in fact - my naturally thick hair definitely tends towards fluffy, and needs a little bit of taming to look properly sleek. Too late, I realise that the Full Repair series promises to return "structure and volume" while it "weightlessly repairs". Well, no false advertising here; I can vouch that it does do both. It works, just maybe not for my hair type. Luckily I happen to have an old bottle of the Frizz-Ease serum lying around. I slap it on and, ah! Not salon perfect, definitely, but not too shabby, especially since the whole exercise has required minimal effort on my part. 

The final test: I submit my hair to the scrutiny of its harshest critic - my mother. Her verdict: she has no bad things to say about my hair cut (which means it is the equivalent of perfection - thank you, Ken), and as she runs her fingers through the ends - "Mmm, nice." Well, knock me over with a feather - this may be the first time in history my locks have ever met my mother's exacting standards. o_O 
 

A museum that allows you to be part of the art work

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Picture a museum and an educational space, with families milling around the exhibits, usually comes to mind. Sure, museums might not be the most exciting place for a rendezvous, but you can't deny that they're often interesting, educational and meaningful. Rarely, however, are they chockful of good, pure, and unadulterated fun. But THAT is exactly what the Alive Museum at Suntec City is.

Hailing from Korea, the 3D visual illusion museum throws out the 'see but don't touch' rule of most museums. In fact, you'd miss out sorely if you don't interact with every exhibit and art work. The exhibits range from trick art to experimental art, and even digital art all of which allow the visitor to be a part of the exhibit.

The best part? 30% of the art pieces are refreshed every year, so you can make multiple trips back without feeling bored. Instead of importing art pieces from Korea wholesale, the museum houses several Singapore themed ones.

As expected, hilarity ensued when I took a trip down last Friday:



With my favourite animal. I am a happy child \o/



Doing my part for climate change.... one frame at a time. 



Yeah, I still got them dancer genes. 

 

...But not enough to perfect the damn arabesque.



Please don't let this turn into a case of life imitating art. 



Kayaking in Niagara Falls: checked.



Not sure the government had this in mind when they built our national icon. 



Yikes, guess I better get outta there fast.

And these are just 8 out of the many exhibits. Head down with a camera and a bunch of friends for tons of great fun this June holidays.  

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Ticket prices: 
$25 (adults)
$20 (children 3-12 years old)

Preview sales: Visitors may enjoy a 10% discount from 12-20 June. 

Operating hours: 10am-10pm daily (last admission at 9pm)


Do you suffer from Bitchy Resting Face (BRF)?

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Text: Cleo Chew

According to Urban Dictionary, the ‘Bitchy Resting Face’ (BRF) is defined as:
A bitchy alternative to the usual blank lookmost people have. This is a condition affecting the facial muscles, suffered by millions of women worldwide. People suffering from bitchy resting face (BRF) have the tendency to look hostile and/or judgemental at rest. Their expression does not necessarily reflect how they are feeling inside. BRF can ruin friendships and first impressions, start fights and kill an atmosphere.’

So I am here, writing this today, because I am one of the "millions of women worldwide" with this "condition".

Women including:




Kristen Stewart



Mila Kunis



Victoria Beckham

Growing up with a BRF, I’ve heard people say to me countless of times, ‘I used to think you hate me’, ‘are you pissed off?’, ‘is there something you’re unhappy about?’ etc. etc. when I’m really just stoning, and looking at the ground wondering what the ant and rock would say to each other if they could speak. 

Even my best friend is used to having people ask her why I look so angry all the time, to which her default answer is, ‘it’s just her face.’ I also had a teacher tell me once that I wouldn’t reach my fullest potential as a student leader because of my lack of approachability caused by BRF. He even flashed me a super creepy Ronald-Mcdonald-wide smile to demonstrate his excellent people skills…




No, thank you.

At 20, I’ve reached a point where I’m really comfortable with my BRF. Sure, it has worked against me at times, but it has also worked for me in many ways. For one, I don’t come across as a pushover. I’ve found myself standing up for friends who are quieter and more harmless looking more times than I’ve had to stand up for myself.


(Source)

I believe my BRF has also played a big role in building my personality. On one hand, knowing I may appear arrogant, it has now become my nature to be pretty easygoing around people I meet for the first time, just so they know that hoity-toity isn’t my thing. Finding this balance has been something I’m very grateful for. Ultimately, being able to carry off the right amount of confidence has allowed me to leave more impactful impressions than if I were to just do ‘nice’ or ‘bashful’. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing with a ‘qian bian’ (‘
’ in mandarin, known as deserving of a good beating) face like mine, but I’ve come to embrace it.

Almost like a self selection process, my BRF has also let me find the best people in life - the ones who bother with getting to know me beyond the surface. I don’t need to look or be a particular way that pleases everyone, and I don’t want to either.

If future me is reading this, I hope you’ve only gotten better at working your BRF.

Photos: TPG

The one sign you're definitely a Nat Geo photographer in the making

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You live by the phrase "anything for the 'gram". 

Scaling precarious buildings? Check. Standing on ledges hundreds of feet above ground? Check. Constantly taking road trips to secluded areas to shoot your #ootd? Check.

If your Instagram feed is filled with photos that clearly took effort (and bravery, or foolishness, depending on your POV) to achieve, then you could be rubbing shoulders with the big leagues of Nat Geo photographers. After all, these photography bigwigs are known as explorers who travel to the wildest places above and below the earth to bring back epic tales of adventure and discovery. 

Why not make your hobby a profession? National Geographic has got a nifty lil' sharing sesh to hone your photography skills. In Coral, Fire & Ice, photographer David Doubilet will expose audiences to the glittering beauty of the world's 'coral triangle', and the lure of sculptural icebergs and shipwrecks in the icy waters of Antarctica. 

All through his stunning photography, of course.

I mean.





Sick huh? 

And here is all the info you'll need to get onboard: 
Event Name: National Geographic Live presents Coral, Fire & Ice
Date: 25 August 2014, Monday
Time: 7.30pm Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticketing information: www.sistic.com.sg/events/coral0814

All photos by David Doubilet

The one art project that will change your mind about beauty brands

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I am immensely drawn to art. In particular, drawings and illustrations. When I was young, I would doodle on my house walls with crayons, colour pencils, pens, …well, you get the idea. My mother would flip every time she discovered a new doodle.

As I got older, I fell in love with graffiti – especially street art. Not only did it represent a rebellion of sorts, but also the idea that maybe my mother was wrong after all, that maybe my doodles on the walls were just an explosion of pure creativity that could no longer be contained within my soul. (Hah I always was a drama queen.) 

So, imagine my joy when, on my Seoul Beauty Vacation in May, I found out beauty brand belif was behind the Chok Chok Art Project. Driven by the desire to bring life to the dull corners of Seoul, belif recruited professional and amateur artists to turn street architecture (such as lamp posts, broken walls, and even shop doors) into works of art.

Take a look at their brilliant effort at bringing tiny miracles into everyday lives:


 

 

 

 

 

I was also honoured to meet one of the artists behind some pieces in the Chok Chok Art Project. His creativity was inspiring – I noticed that he turned unassuming corners into a huge guitar, and even electrical boxes into a quirky laundromat. There's a certain kind of enduring childlike imagination that lies in being able to look at an everyday object and see a work of art, and it was timely to be reminded of that amidst the corporate humdrum. Viewing the art made me realise how easy it was to lose that fasincation with the world when you've been stuck in the grind for awhile.


Ultimately, at the core of belif lies the honest desire to give their consumers the truth about what goes into their beauty products. While that is attractive, what touched my heart was their three-dimensional approach to the beauty industry. At belif, beauty was seen as an entire lifestyle, instead of simply something that enhances one's aesthetic appeal.

(Psst, their two-storey flagship store in Samchung Dong even boasts a cafe and library on the second floor! How's that for well-rounded?)


 

 

 

 

 

Tip: next time you're planning a trip to Seoul, and are tired of the standard touristy fare, try planning your itinerary around an art hunt instead. 

For our full coverage on the new belif Peat Miracle Revital range, be sure to look out for our Aug issue when it hits stands in mid July!

Why you should not stay home this Saturday

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Question: What do these five images have in common?











Answer: They are accurate depictions of how much fun a party can be. 

If you're looking for similar action this weekend, Shanghai Nights at 1-Altitude Rooftop & Bar is a great place to start. To celebrate their 4th Anniversary this Saturday, 5th July, they want you to be there. 

You can expect to revel in Shanghai's old world charm, get treated to canapés and entertainment including roving gymnasts and face changers, savour a special set menu priced at $144++, and dance the night away to DJ Benny.

Now, isn't that reason enough to haul ass from your couch on a Saturday night? 

Entry fee: $40 nett ‘Boarding Pass’. The pass will be in the form of a voucher that will allow guests to redeem various treats on all the different levels.

The beauty campaign to end all beauty campaigns

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Here at CLEO, we're firm advocates of being unapologetic about who you are. Which is why when beauty industries continuously send us mixed signals (love your skin one moment, make it prettier the next), we're confused as all hell.

So, when I chanced upon this neat campaign called #StopTheBeautyMadness this morning, I had to share it. The campaign is a cry for ending the practice of beauty industries telling us how to look and what to do with our bodies -- and I love it.











Check out more thought provoking posters at www.stopthebeautymadness.com.

What do you think of this campaign? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or by dropping us an email at cleo@sph.com.sg :)

3 things I did after watching Kristen Stewart and Anne Hathaway in drag

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After watching this video last night, I did three things:

1. Fall in love with Kristen Stewart all over again (sorry media folk, no matter what you say about her unsmiling face, I see her for the witty and dry humour girl she is - AND I LOVE IT) 

2. Downloaded this track from iTunes store and proceeded to listen to it until I fell asleep - because, star power aside, the melody and lyrics are catchy as hell.

3. Fantasise about being one of the boys - because, sometimes, but especially at that time of the month when I get moody and depressed and wake up feeling like death every morning, I wish I were one of the boys. Virtual high-five to all girls who get me. 

Is writing articles now the newest celeb trend?

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A couple days ago, editorial assistant Clara told me that the Jenner sisters' Young Adult novel "Rebels: City of Indra" will be turned into a movie. We were, admittedly, quite taken aback. Are we now in an era when, it seems, anyone with an ounce of fame can hop from the socialite pages of magazines to the pages of a novel, and claim to be authors, ...even when they haven't quite proved their writing chops? Forgive me for being so harsh - you be the judge

And in somewhat related news, celebs have even started penning columns in magazines and news sites, both online and print. 

A week ago, we had Taylor Swift writing an Op-Ed for Wall Street Journal about her hope for the music industry. Excessively idealistic and simplistic, I reckon, but ultimately still eloquently conveyed. The piece didn't hit the right note with many, but at least we know she's defo true to her fairytale branding. 



And today, Leighton Meester turns to the feminist subtext of "Of Mice and Men" to bring you an insightful piece that will leave you convinced she's certainly no Blair Waldorf.



On a lighter note, last year Olivia Wilde penned some advice she had for turning 30 in Glamour mag. I found her piece heartwarming, reassuring, and not sappy at all, as retrospective lists have a tendency to be. Her journalist parents must have taught her well. 



Here are a couple other recent pieces I found from around the 'net, that made me see a whole new dimension to these celebs. 

1. Star of "How I Met Your Mother" Josh Radnor, wrote a beautiful and heartbreaking letter to Damien Rice's album "O": here.
2. Compared to the rest on this list, Russell Brand is a seasoned pro when it comes to contributing pieces to online platforms. The comedian / actor regularly writes for The Guardian. Here - one of my favourites. He writes about Phillip Seymour Hoffman's death and drug laws.

If you only have time for ONE read from this list, we say go for Olivia Wilde's. Witty, endearing and relatable. Just like the actress herself. 

Photos: TPG

Inside CLEO August

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In this issue, we're flying the local flag loud and proud. We touch on red button issues affecting the youth of today, such as online bullying, and something more lighthearted, how to make it big on social media. We've also done our homework and curated a list of the most underrated music, art and food finds in our sunny island. 

Don't miss: our cover girl Angelababy might be proof that looks can get you in the industry, but it's ultimately oodles of hard work that earns you a place there.


The August issue of CLEO out now!

The one way we're celebrating National Day this year

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When we think of National Day, we often think: (1) long holiday, (2) family gathering around the TV catching the NDP, and even (3) cheesy songs. Besides penning pseudo-nostalgic odes to Singapore on social media, rarely do we think of actually celebrating our nation's birthday.

This August, how about doing something different? Instead of merely proclaiming our love for all things local, how about putting your money where your mouth is? (We know we will.)

From 31 July to 20 August, set aside some moolah to support these local brands at Naiise's pop-up store, The Design Supermarket, at Orchard Central, by grabbing these stylish finds for your home. 



Books by Epigram



Ais Gem Magnets by FARM


 
Vintage Chinese SW Prints by The Gentleman's Press



Kueh print 1 by Lee Xin Li



Today Is Going To be Awesome by The Letter J Supply



Speculoos Pralines by Poppy & Co



Assorted Embrace Me Cushion Covers by Scene Shang



Danger t-shirt by Statement



Fancy Gem Tote Bag by WhenIWasFour 
 
P.S. The Design Supermarket will take on the look and feel of a supermarket (hence the name), in order to help people discover design in an accessible and friendly environment. Shoppers will be able to shop for design products with grocery baskets and bakery trays (!!), and also participate in workshops, demos and food sampling every weekend. 

This retail experience sounds like a damn dream, and we're uber excited already. 

This health challenge converted the skeptic in me

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I'll be the first to admit I'm quite impartial to random (and often sketchy) miracle foods or diets that promise "amazing" results. Hyperbole aside, I've always felt it was slightly inane that a particular food could suddenly and definitively alter one's life. 

So it was with slight — okay, very much — doubt that I decided to take on the Zespri 14-day Sungold Kiwifruit Challenge, in hopes that I would feel markedly more energised and rejuvenated, as they had blatantly promised. Basically, all I had to do was eat one Zespri Sungold Kiwi per day for 14 days. Easy. 

Here are the three things I found myself thinking about after 14 days:

1. I never knew how hella tired I usually am



That used to be my previous state at work. It wasn't that I was out partying till the wee hours of the morn; rather, that I simply had difficulty functioning in the morning. After lunch, I would battle the inevitable food coma too. Clearly, I was still productive, but that didn't come without much work on my part to stay alert. 

After a few days on the Sungold Kiwifruit challenge, I felt mentally more alert; my body felt healthier; and I was able to bang out a few more paragraphs each day for the articles I was working on. Not just did my productivity level at work increase, I was also able to head home after a long day and still have energy to catch up on some reading before bed. (Previously, I would nod off super quick because I was always so drained from the day.)

It wasn't that I had altered my lifestyle in any other way, except for eating one Sungold Kiwifruit a day, and yet the difference in my physical and mental state was quite noticeable.



Ok maybe not like that.

2. There must be a drug in these glorious Sungold Kiwifruits

The first time I dug into a kiwi was a few years ago. It was not a memorable experience, and I never developed a subsequent liking for the green stuff. So, you can understand why I didn't expect to be blown away when I dipped my spoon into the Zespri's Sungold Kiwifruit. 

Boy, was I so flippin' wrong. 



IT WAS DELICIOUS. (No, I am not obliged nor paid to say this.)

But, wait, it couldn't be that something so nutritious was simply so darn delicious right? There had to be a catch somewhere. I decided to do my research on the fruit. 



And here's what I found about the Sungold Kiwifruit:
  • The fruit is sweeter than its green cousin, while also being a healthier alternative to snacks. 
  • It packs exceptionally high levels of Vitamin C (three times more than oranges) and Vitamin E (seven times more than apples and oranges). 
  • It contains enough Vitamin C to last the entire day, which means you will be way less tired and fatigued. 
  • It's super sweet, so you're not just getting your nutrients, you're also enjoying the process. 
  • The fruit aided my bowel movement, which was a pleasant surprise. 
Essentially, what these health facts mean is that a single scoop of the Zespri Sungold Kiwifruit provides more nutrients than other common fruit, and you'd be remiss to think that it was just too good to be true. 

It truly is quite everything it promises to be.

3. No miracle food works if you don't 



This was probably the most valuable lesson I learnt. Sure, it sounds like something you can read in a health brochure or a fitspo site, but I think it should be reiterated, simply because it's something most people tend to shrug off. 

For example, if you've been leading a sluggish life and are constantly ingesting copious amounts of carbs, caffeine and sugar, it's unlikely that the Zespri Sungold Kiwifruit will change your life. Instead, if you want a healthier you, be prepared to proceed with the works — exercise, healthier diet, good sleep, cutting out harmful addictions, etc. 

I learnt that instead of letting this Zespri 14-day challenge be a life-changing moment in itself (which it wasn't), I should let it spur me on to greater fitness heights.

In fact, this brief brush with fitness motivated me to sign up for the Shape run this August. Yep, my first ever marathon. I AM A CHANGED WOMAN. 



P.S. The hardest part of the challenge? Keeping intake to one kiwi per day. It was that tasty.

Photos: tumblr

Oh, be a good sport!

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If I compiled a list of marriages that will never make sense to me, it would look a little like this: sandals with socks, pants under dresses, and, erm, Kimye?

On the other hand, the union of sports and fashion is something I can get behind. Don't get me wrong, sports luxe or sporty-chic is not new. In fact, the trend has been around so long, that it has inevitably moved from trend to wardrobe staple. Like the essential Little Black Dress, no respectable fashionista worth her weight in garments would pass on owning a couple of sporty chic pieces.

For example, we can't imagine walking past an iROO store without so much as a glance at these fashionably comfy pieces.

 





If you've taken a liking to these charming outfits, you can speed up your wardrobe overhaul by hotfooting down to these iROO stores ASAP:

Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, #B1-52/55
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, #B2-97
Vivo City, #01-179/182
Great World City, #01-45/46

These two local pizza flavours are your dinner sorted for National Day

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This National Day, there's only one place we'd like you to be: in line for a slice of Pezzo's two new local offerings.



Last Friday, I got the chance to sample their Chicken Rendang and Singa Laksa pizza flavours. Being a spice lover, I got uber excited when I heard that the two local flavours that Pezzo was rolling out were clearly flvaours rooted in good ol' Singaporean spice. Where food is concerned, I'm certain there's nothing more satisfying than a heaty spicy kick. 

Here's my verdict on the two flavours: 

1. Chicken Rendang
While Pezzo did well by evoking nostalgia and a craving for your grandma's home-cooked dishes, this one fell short in terms of spiciness. The familiar rendang spice we've come to know and love wasn't overpowering, but in my opinion, was a little too subtle. In fact, the pizza's redeeming factor was the generous potpourri of red capsicum, green capsicum, white onion and oregano chicken that rested atop each slice. It's a foolproof combination of ingredients; you can't go wrong.

Rating: 3/5
Price: $4.50 per slice / $24.90 per pan

2. Singa Laksa
You know that authentic laksa flavour that's equal parts creamy and spicy? The one that Singaporeans crave in cold/rainy weather, because the warm flush of laksa soup down the throat is enough to warm your soul? Look no further, it's all replicated in this Pezzo slice. To be honest, I was slightly suspicious when I first heard about it, simply because I didn't know how anyone would take on the quintessential Singaporean dish and do justice to it by putting it on an Italian dish... I stand corrected. This medley of crab meat, squid, tuna, prawn and tau pok is pure laksa perfection. 

Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $4.90 per slice / $24.90 per pan

Petite and proud of it

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Text: Stephanie Chee

I have always been quite small, more vertically than horizontally though. Standing at less than 1.6m, I have never been able to:
1. find a pair of jeans that fit without needing to alter them
2. pull off midi skirts - unless I wear them as tube dresses
3. pull off jumpsuits and maxi dresses (I just look like a runaway bride with my ‘train’ lumped around my ankles)

So imagine my delight when I found a maxi dress that fitted me like a glove, from the junior section (in Perth) of course. Since then, I have been actively shopping from the children’s section, and apparently, have absolutely no shame talking about it too.

I was looking for a cream knit cardigan a few months back, but to my dismay, I drowned in even the smallest size.

Then I found it - the perfect cardigan for just $30 from H&M Kids. And I didn’t even need the largest size. The 140 suited me just fine.

Just for fun, my bestie (who is just as, or maybe even tinier than me) and I also tried on these utterly adorable jumpers (which were only $10?) meant for boys aged 4-8, only to find them fitting us perfectly.

Yupp, yet another act of sorcery.

And, if you're still not convinced,

Kids:


Adult's:


Similar pieces, both of which are from ZARA, but one at less than half the price. Plus the adult model is 176cm, which means that I am probably just going to drown in that coat as usual.

Well, maybe being petite isn’t so bad after all?

Inside CLEO September

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In this issue, we hop onboard the trend bandwagon to give you the deets on the latest trends. From normcore to rainbow looms, we've got your cool factor sorted. Where love is concerned, we discuss how relationship milestones shouldn't matter as much as we think. 

Don't miss: our cover girl Chloe Grace Moretz proves that she deserves a spot on the big screens and in our hearts. This teenage sensation is not soon leaving tinseltown. 


The September issue of CLEO out now!

This video could seriously change your perception of North Korea

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Enter Pyongyang from JT Singh on Vimeo.

 

North Korea has garnered the infamous reputation of being closed off and secluded. In fact, it's common to immediately associate the country with widespread famine, a regime so strict that it'd send you to prison for disrespectinig their Great Leader, and having a general Big Brother's Watching atmosphere. After all, that's how most of the media portrays the state. 

But, after watching this 3 minute stop motion video, you might change your mind. The video captures North Koreans as ordinary people with ordinary lives. Pretty unlike how most people seem to view them: as animals in a zoo. 

Certainly one of the more insightful and eye-opening videos we've had the privilege of watching recently. 

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