SHOP EXTRA

In the UK, one of the most popular treats at this time of the year are mince pies – and few are as delicious as Marks & Spencer’s pies.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
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Holiday Style

The Dorothy Perkins A/W16 holiday collection includes party wear and special-occasion pieces with lace, ruffles and cut-outs, as well as chic separates for a perfectly pulled together look. If you’re planning a white Christmas, the jumpers are pretty happening, too. Available at all Dorothy Perkins stores. For more information, call 6339-5996.

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TASTE OF CHRISTMAS CHEER

In the UK, one of the most popular treats at this time of the year are mince pies – and few are as delicious as Marks & Spencer’s pies. Made the traditional way with a buttery shortcrust case, chewy raisins, currants and sultanas, and a little spice, they are super yummy with clotted cream or vanilla ice cream. $9.90 for a pack of six at all Marks & Spencer stores.

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FREE YOUR MIND

If you need a place to share your desires and disappointments in a non-judgemental setting, head to the office of psychologist Jasmine Siang at Heart to Heart Psychotherapy. She’ll help you explore your thoughts and behaviours, uncover the underlying causes of problem areas, and support you as you work to achieve your goals. Visit www.hearttoheart.sg or call Jasmine at 9792-2290.

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Mad For Mud

New Zealand brand Wild Ferns’ Rotorua Mud collection contains mineral-rich, detoxifying and purifying geothermal mud from Rotorua itself. Our faves: Rotorua Mud Facial Wash Creme with Lime Blossom ($26.90, 130ml), which is said to boost cell repair as it deep cleanses; Rotorua Mud Face Pack with Manuka Honey ($28.90, 95ml) to revitalise tired skin; re-energising, peelable Rotorua Mud Face Mask with Aloe Vera and Cucumber ($26.90, 80ml) to restore tone and elasticity. Available at John Little Plaza Singapura and selected Watsons.

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Smile!

This cheery Lapcos x Smiley World collection is a collab between Korean brand Lapcos and The Smiley Company. Part of the proceeds from the sale of products will go to The Smiley Fund. Check these out:

• Lapcos x Smiley World Tight-Up Pridation SPF37/PA++ ($59.90): A primercum- liquid foundation that evens out skin tone, covers blemishes, reduces the look of wrinkles, and hydrates with oligo hyaluronic acid.

• Lapcos x Smiley World Toc-Toc Cream Blusher ($36.90): A cushion blusher with argan oil and hyaluronic acid to keep skin soft and supple, and the brand’s own flower complex that calms and moisturises.

• Lapcos x Smiley World Real Color Lip-Ping ($36.90): A long-lasting glossy lip tint gel that’s highly pigmented and contains sunflower seed, almond and jojoba oils, plus the flower complex.

Available at selected Sasa outlets and BHG Alt Concept stores at #03-11 Bugis Junction and #01-06/02-08/03-07 Century Square. For more information, visit www.thecosmebox.com or call 6377-2388.

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OLD WORLD MEETS NEW WORLD

Using Type A Burmese jadeite, semi-precious gemstones and intricate precious metal detailing, every item from local heritage jewellery brand Choo Yilin is sophisticated and timeless. Take your pick from the ready-to-wear jade collection, a speciality range, which includes bespoke heirloom rings, as well as modern Si Dian Jin, and personalised wedding bands.

Available at #02-23 Mandarin Gallery. For more information, visit www.chooyilin.com, call 6733-1131 or e-mail info@chooyilin.com.

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Sushi Grade

Not every variety of Japanese rice makes good sushi. If you’re making this or onigiri, you need a short-grain rice such as Okome Akitakomachi Rice ($9, 2kg) whose plump shiny grains have a soft, chewy and light texture. It can be eaten warm or cold, and is also gluten- and cholesterol-free. $9 for 2kg at minimarts, selected Sheng Siong outlets and Isetan.

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Easy-Peasy

Oh Wow Happy Sticks are so easy to apply, spread and blend. The cream foundation stick (three shades) with hyaluronic acid essence hides imperfections and absorbs oil for a long-lasting, shine-free finish. There are also contour and highlighter sticks, as well as threein- one lip, blusher and eyeshadow sticks in dreamy peach, sweet pink and exotic berry, which are just as moisturising and long-wearing. $17.90 each at selected Watsons and Sasa outlets, and on the Oh Wow app. Also visit www.ohwow.sg.

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Step Right Up

Sports-inspired, stylish and comfortable, Hush Puppies’ Cloud Walker collection, made with breathable fabric and lining, features lightweight and flexible athleisure shoes. The cushioned footbeds have built-in gel heel pads that absorb impact as you move. Plus, they’re so easy to slip on and off. From $75 at all Hush Puppies stores. For more information, visit www.hushpuppies.sg.

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Better Health

If you fall sick easily, ache from long hours of sitting, or have trouble sleeping, these issues could be early warning signs of a health condition. Find out for sure with the Eu Yan Sang Health Report that involves a one-on-one session with a trained TCM physician. You’ll learn about your physical constitution and how to improve your health with simple lifestyle changes and recipes specific to your constitution. From Nov 15, 2016 to Jan 31, 2017, first-time patients pay $38 (UP $48). Visit www.euyansangclinic.com for your nearest Eu Yan Sang TCM Wellness Clinic. For more information, call 1800-225-188.