The festive season is upon us! Break out the red packets, mandarin oranges, gold ingots, new clothes and of course the new you for this Lunar New Year! If you haven’t been paying attention, it is the year of the dog and according to the horoscope, it is going to be a good year in all respects, but also an exhausting one. You will experience a rollercoaster of emotions, from happiness and frustration, to feeling rested, dull, cheerful and tired. But do not fret! We humans are well equipped for such situations, just lean on your friends and family in the upcoming joyous new year and if all else fails, stuff your face with some yummy new year goodies!
Speaking of which, I know we all love the usual sinful treats that come with Chinese New Year like bak kwa, love letters, pineapple tarts and my biggest weakness: shrimp rolls. As I am writing this, I already cannot wait to get my hands on my favorite brand of shrimp rolls. However, is it a common phenomenon among all of you who – like me – love indulging, to gain weight, feel sluggish and even have breakouts after the new year is over? I always prep myself for the onslaught of weight gain because I love snacking so much but it’s time to be healthier, and have the willpower to eat healthier alternatives so our bodies are well nourished. All who wish to embark on this journey to health and wellness, here is a list of healthy alternatives to the usual goodies, do pack these in a Tupperware container to carry around while visiting so you won’t be tempted to indulge.
Almonds are a type of tree nuts that are renowned for their health benefits. Experts often rave about how much healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin E almonds have and how they can lower blood sugar levels, reduce blood pressure, reduce hunger and lower cholesterol levels. Those of you out there who are on the path to weight loss, this snack just might be your holy grail! Almonds are low in carbs, and high in both protein and fiber with increase satiety and thus reduces your hunger and helps to lower your overall calorie intake – ie. Eat almonds, eat less overall and eventually lose weight. The recommended serving size is approximately 23 almonds or a handful, portion control is key, it will be pointless if you stuff yourself with a hundred almonds to combat hunger. Ration your nuts wisely throughout the day!
Odds are, many of you have heard of or even tried edamame but you don’t actually know what they are and how they benefit you. Edamame are young soy beans that are actually harvested before they have ripened and hardened. Japanese restaurants often serve them in their pods and they are rather fun to pry open and pop into your mouth, but they can be purchased both fresh and frozen. Edamame is rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C and E, riboflavin and many more. These nutrients are important in keeping our skin healthy and age resistant, strengthens the immune system, strengthens our bones and even reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The recommended serving size is about ½ a cup of edamame. Pop a bean every now and then whenever you feel hungry, they will surely leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
I know how hard it is for fellow sweet tooths out there to survive this dastard holiday, the temptations are everywhere! Sweets, pineapple tarts and the cursed cookies! So if you are in severe need of a sugar fix, dark chocolate is your best friend. The higher the percentage of cocoa the better, because it has less sugar and more flavor than milk chocolate and you can really taste the strong hint of the cacao plant. However, for beginner dark chocolate enthusiasts, I recommend working your way up before you try 90% dark chocolate because you might just spit it out. Start at 50-60% and as you appreciate the bitter taste more and more, try higher percentages. You might think even though its dark chocolate, it is still unhealthy. Wrong! It has been scientifically proven that dark chocolate has tons of antioxidants, Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese and a few other minerals that can lower blood pressure, the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve your blood flow. However, it is still something to be eaten in moderation, like all other snacks. The recommended serving size is about 100g twice a week, not daily.
Hummus is a thick creamy Levantine spread that is commonly found in the Middle East, it is primarily comprised of mashed chickpeas and other beans, tahini, lemon juice, mixed with some oil and seasoning. Hummus is a good source of plant based protein, can help balance blood sugar levels, is anti-inflammatory and it can help boost your energy. It has a unique taste and serves to widen your food palette – stop eating so much laksa and chicken rice! Try something new. You can eat hummus with some whole meal bread, whole grain crackers and even use it to top dishes like Mediterranean fish. It is also incredibly easy to make from scratch so you have to buy it from a store. The recommended serving size is about 100g.
Read the header again, “PLAIN”! I bet a few of you were ready to dash to the movie theatre to load up on some sweet caramel popcorn. Only when eaten plain, does popcorn have many nutritional benefits. Popcorn is a type of grain and it is rich in fiber, antioxidants, manganese, magnesium and more. Popcorn helps improve digestion and facilitates regular bowel movement, lowers cholesterol levels, prevents aging, and can aid in weight loss. Note again that this is only true for plain popcorn, try not to douse it in salt, butter or caramel because that would make it moot. The recommended serving size is about 3 cups of popped kernels. Pop some in your microwave and enjoy a round of Netflix, you deserve it you superstar.
Drinking tea comes with a myriad of perks: it boosts overall health and it is chock full of antioxidants that ward off diseases. Frequent tea drinkers even build up a repository of knowledge on various herbs and plants that improve our well-being and improve symptoms of health ailments and conditions.
But my favourite part of being a tea lover is the culture. It’s not even just a single culture; there are so many that you can imbibe in such as those from the Chinese, Japanese and English. We even have our very own Singaporean teh culture. With tea coming from so many parts of the world, it is a shame not to try some of them out. Here are some gorgeous teas that you can get for a tea lover, or perhaps even for yourself as a treat!
Blended with rose petals, corn flower, lavender, lemongrass and citrus, this tea not only tastes flavourful but it also works wonders on your skin. Rose is known to maintain good looking skin by reducing acne and improving your digestion. With the inclusion of so many flowers, it doesn’t just taste good – it looks like a dream too. The gift box comes with 8 sachets, each of which can brew 400ml of tea.
Price: $25.00
Get it here!
Image cred: TWG
Looking for something Chinese New Year appropriate? This Pu-Erh Tea Brick from TWG might be just the tea for you. Packaged in a gorgeous matte red and gold gift box, it gives a luxurious touch to your tea. The tea brick is hand compressed and the tea leaves are all grown traditionally in the fog filled mountains of Yunnan. Plus, you don’t have to worry about it going past the expiration date – the tea improves with age. To brew, flake off 2.5g of tea leaves for each cup and infuse for 3-5 minutes.
Price: $120.00
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Why settle for one tea when you could have three? Especially if the three fruit flavoured teas remind you of frolicking in the sun? With blends of peach, passion fruit and mango, you will feel like you are on a holiday every time you brew yourself a cup in the middle of the work week. Now that is a beautiful gift for anyone.
Price: $36.00
Get it here!
This fruity tea is refreshing whether served hot or cold. With almost no caffeine, this makes it the perfect tea to drink to relax before bed. Rooibos is also a great source of antioxidants which helps maintain the suppleness of your skin and also keep your immune system strong. Packaged in a classy navy box, it is an amazing gift for any tea lover.
Price: $19.00
Get it here!
Other than being gorgeously packaged, this tea gift set scores points for the witty pun which points to the inspiration of the blend. This fragrant green tea is inspired by the flower garland shops around Tekka Market area. There are 12 sachets in each tin. The pearls in the sachets unfurl in the heat so it is not only a treat for the mouth and nose but also the eyes.
Price: $18.00
I hope you are inspired to gift the tea people in your life. Whether it is a tin of their favourite tea or a blend that is completely new for them to try, the thought and effort put into the gift warms the heart more than any tea.
Written by: Annmaria Patteri
Overworked and lacking sleep? What are you stressed about? In our day-to-day routines, stress is inevitable. Your poor soul feels bruised and battered by the various catastrophes on the flip side of the globe or stressful situations in your personal backyard. Your blood boils on a regular basis because of a horrible work environment, strained relationships or even a wearisome commute to work. All these sources of stress exist beyond our control, but we can stop, slow down and de-stress. Here are 5 ways you can regulate your stress and keep your well-being in check.
Don’t operate in your stressed state all the time, mind your breath whilst you can! You may roll your eyes as we tell you to take a deep breath but it takes a mere few seconds and it will allow your troubled mind to relax in under two minutes. Breathing is our second nature and it’s an all-natural chill pill, so no matter where you are or however difficult the situation at hand may be, pause for a moment and do a short breathing exercise. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, holding each breath for seven counts or seconds. Repeat the cycle three times to calm yourself down quick! You can thank us for this fuss-free solution later.
And ah, our favourite method to decompress and reduce stress. Sip your way to leisure and soothe stress-related ailments with some tea, a traditional relaxation technique used to combat stress for centuries. We love a regular cup of white tea (for additional protection against oxidative stress) or a gentle herbal infusion that you can find at Nilufer Tea. In times of crisis, there is nothing else but to keep calm and drink tea. Bonus points if you pick up organic teas from sustainable sources.
Allow your tensed brain to reset and recover with exercise as it reduces stress hormones and stimulates the production of endorphin, a feel-good hormone that can help foster relaxation. Take a moment to walk through a green space with an abundance of fresh air, swim or attend a yoga class. A short stroll may do wonders to your mind too!
Akin to processed carbs and refined sugars, the vast world of social media will elicit cravings and provide an initial boost of pleasure. Each new notification triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which drives us to seek rewards, so you’d keep coming back for more. But, it’s a vicious cycle that takes a toll on your mental health in the long run and makes you feel blah afterwards. We’d recommend you unplug and unwind. Try a social media detox for a month or at least shorten your time online. Not every single email, Facebook message or flat-lay of your avocado toast matters.
Aromatherapy is an alternative practice which taps into the healing power of scents through essential oils extracted from plants. It is an excellent method for stress-relief as scents are powerful and can impact our bodies through our nervous system. Dilute a few drops of bergamot, lavender or ylang ylang oil with water and let it diffuse into the air. Otherwise, add a drop or two of your favourite essential oil into a carrier oil and rub onto your acupressure points for comfort. Be careful not to rub the essential oil directly on your skin as it is potent and may cause slight burning of your skin.
We hope at least one of our five stress-busters will lead you to a happier, healthier and stress-free life. Remember, weekends are for recovery and relaxation! And nothing beats personal well-being.
Written by Valerie Tan
Not all roses are red,
But Valentine’s Day is indeed near;
It may be time to pre-order that special bouquet,
And you needn’t look further than here.
Are you ready for Valentine’s Day ? It may be time to pre-order that special bouquet. You can get special flower bouquet online. Inspired by the beauty of nature, you can rest assured knowing your Valentine’s gift is in good hands.
Aude, a founder of Ask A French Flowers is very talented and her inspirational flower arrangement is definitely one of kind. You can check her amazing flower arrangement at her Instagram.
Her flower arrangement is so special and featured in well known fashion magazines like Elle, Vogue, marie france and Haper Bazaar etc.
You can customise the bouquet you wish to deliver to your loved one, choosing one of the four available styles: Romantic, Bucolic, Tropical Green, and Tropical Bright, and one of the three available hues: bright, pastel, and white and green.
Or, if your partner is someone who lives for surprises, you actually have the option of leaving it up to the florists to make their own unique selection and arrangement, with the freshest and most aesthetically pleasing flowers.
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Ask a French Flower
Why I recommend
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Roses are undeniably the quintessential flower for Valentine’s Day but the flowers you decide to get your one true love don’t always have to be red.
Roses Only sells roses in all kinds of colours, including mauve, pastel pink, yellow, and cherry brandy as you can see here !
But if you want to play it safe, they have exquisitely vibrant red ones too.
Each stalk is about 70cm long and is carefully de-thorned, with their guard petals removed, so that they reach your Valentine looking their best. Some of their options also include chocolates, candles, and even a bottle of champagne, for the added sultry touch.
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Rose Only Website
Why I recommend
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Shop Wonderland -The café and floral studio is teaming up with local indie pop band HubbaBubbas to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember! If you are not sure about online flower bouquet shopping, you can visit their shop directly at Telok Ayer st. Florist can create any flower bouquet within your budget, too.
For Valentine, you just have to request the song by 9th February along with a purchase of a bouquet, and let the surprise take its course.
Add a personal touch to your bouquet by choosing to have a note card accompany it, with elegant handlettering by illustrator and hand-letterer Julia Liu.
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Shop Wonderland
Why I recommend
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Go all out with rainbow-coloured flowers courtesy of Smile Floral. The hand bouquets don’t just use roses; tulips, baby’s breath, and daisies also make an appearance. Whichever flowers you desire, you can definitely rainbow them up!
And if you’re really looking to splurge this Valentine’s, wow your partner by opting for their 99 rose bouquet, with each carefully and meticulously arranged, guaranteeing a one-of-a-kind gift for your gem of a date.
If you’re looking to go above and beyond this Valentine’s, and want to gift your other half something different from your regular bouquet of flowers, we has got your back!
They have bell jar gifts, complete with LED lights and preserved flowers and Blue tooth Speaker ! We also add on Rose Paradise Tea with dried strawberry (because we all know sweet treats are a surefire way to a girl’s heart).
And it’ll be for a good cause too! The social enterprise’s creations are made with love by marginalised women who have undergone training and mentorship under the BloomBack Academy.
10% profits will be donated to charity.
This is the gift to pair with those beautiful blooms, Nilufer Tea's organic herbal teas ! Healthy and delicious, each type of tea is uniquely and naturally coloured by the organic and pesticide-free herbs and flowers. Together with the gorgeous flowers, they serve as a reminder of the day of romance and love.
Remember – flowers don’t last forever, but true love stands the test of time. Have a lovely Valentine’s Day!
Written by Anna Fernandez
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Nilufer Tea with Flower Bouquet
Why I recommend
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Don’t just stop and smell the roses. Snuggle up and enjoy these fragrant petals in nutritious and delicious teas too. Rose teas present a plethora of benefits for your body due to its antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidative properties. It enhances skin radiance and is used to alleviate hormonal imbalance or menstrual issues in women.
● Benefits of Rose & My Favorite Rose Products
For centuries, rose teas have also been used as a medicinal drink for depression, digestive troubles and weight management. However, due to recent mass production and commercialisation of tea, it is imperative to ensure that your cup of rosy goodness is safe, healthful and organic. Choose organic rose teas to escape artificial additives, preservatives, pesticides and other nasties in your teacup. If you’re interested to loose yourself in benefits of rose teas, get your stash of organic ones from these tea artisans and start to sip!
Committed to the planet and its people, Numi Tea guarantees full leaf quality and premium, real ingredients. The good folks at Numi offers a natural and gluten-free rose blend that protects the environment, farmers and you. Available in fuss-free teabags and as loose tea, White Rose is a low-caffeine white tea blend with whole rosebuds.
Tea Forté offers extraordinary teas with unparalleled presentation in a patented, recyclable pyramid-shaped tea infuser. An American tea brand, Tea Forté works hand in hand with sustainable growers to produce handcrafted luxury tea blends that are fair-trade certified, kosher certified and USDA organic. Of which, the said tea brand puts a spin on regular rose tea and creates an exquisite duet of flavours with its rejuvenating Chocolate Rose Tea. It features notes of rich chocolate with a sweet floral finish and brews a sophisticated golden cup. For a more decadent indulgence, add some milk! Available in a sleek black loose tea canister, Chocolate Rose is perfect for your fellow tea lover.
As Singapore’s oldest tea producer, blender and retailer, 1872 Clipper Tea Co. promises quality assurance with their non-GMO, fair trade certified tea. Unwind with a warm mug of Clipper’s Bed of Roses before bed. It is a delicate, decaffeinated infusion with whole rosebuds that’s designed to soothe your soul. Mind you, these are handpicked French rosebuds too. If you prefer more varied flavours, opt for Clipper’s Chinese New Year Fortune House gift pack. With three aromatic tea blends within the oriental pack, one of which is a flavourful rose tea titled Rose Black Tea (福禄双全). Treat yourself to the fragrant mélange of red rose petals, chamomile, apples and Clipper’s signature Ceylon black tea.
Otherwise, we’ve got your back with our Organic USDA - Rose Paradise tea – a beautiful blend of precious rose petals, rosebuds and hibiscus. It is a favourite among many of our avid tea drinkers as it has a light and pleasing floral finish, with a fruity note of strawberry. Deliciously delicate and seductively sweet, a single sip brings to mind magical woodlands and acres of countryside gardens in the summer: perfect for a relaxing picnic on the meadow green. Enjoy our Rose Paradise as a hot herbal beverage or have it as an iced tea for a little taste of heaven. We promise you won’t regret it.
Rose Water
Rose Body Oil
Rose Scented Perfume
Rose Body/ Hand Cream
Box Flower - Rose that lasts 1 to 3 years
Rose Tea
Written by: Valerie Tan
Bored of the same ol’ stash of tea that you have in your food cupboard? Perhaps your tea needs some pep, perk and sparkle. Create a customised tea blend and delve into a magical realm of aromas, colours and flavours. We think tea blending demands more imagination than intention so break some rules and get a little playful with your tea! There are no holds barred, no set recipes or conventions – you’d never know what you’d end up with. To assist you with your little DIY project, we’ve gathered 7 essential herbs to include in your blend for an incredible herbal infusion.
Pretty and powerful, chamomile has a stellar reputation for restoration as a gentle and effective natural sedative. It calms distressed nerves, restores inner peace and is recommended for sleep relief. But that’s not all, the delicate daisy-like blossom is a powerhouse of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties too. It’s akin to a magic potion which may be used to lighten complexion, eliminate acne scars and tighten pores. Consider the addition of chamomile for a blissful and beautiful brew.
Bask in the sweet heat of cinnamon – its complex flavour profile encompasses a warm floral note with hints of spice and honeyed fruit. Besides it’s unique smell and taste, cinnamon contains great anti-diabetic effects and a myriad of protective antioxidants, which balances your blood sugar levels, safeguards your health and defends against cancer. With all these medicinal benefits, it’d be silly not to include poor old cinnamon in your tea blend.
Ginger is an excellent digestive aid which curbs nausea and upset stomachs associated with motion sickness. And because it plays an essential role in proper digestion, it improves food absorption, prevents unnecessary belching and improves your appetite through the release of gastric acids. The fleshy herb also wards off chills, environmental allergies and even jet lag with ease. In a similar vein, ginger contains increased levels of antioxidants, which hence allows it to relieve menstrual discomfort in women.
Another definite ingredient to include in your custom concoction would be lemongrass – an aromatic herb with a zing that soothes stomach troubles such as bloating, constipation and indigestion. It’s also known to tame high blood pressure, limit cholesterol absorption in the intestines and improve overall heart health as well.
Like ginger, mint presents similar benefits. It eases nausea, clears mild coughs and is employed in the treatment of various digestive ailments, such as loss of appetite, irritable bowel syndrome and more. If consumed post-meal, the effects of mint will reduce flatulence and speed up digestion too. Hence, after-dinner mints and mint tea are so popular. With a natural cool sensation and crisp menthol fragrance, mint also freshens your breath and palate. We think it’s a win-win situation to feel clean inside and out.
High in Vitamin C and other minerals, rooibos is a copper-red charm of earthy delight. An herb native to South Africa, it has been touted for its plethora of proven health benefits and antioxidant properties aimed at aging, common skin concerns and diseases. Regular consumption of rooibos may boost hair growth and prevent sun damage too. Did you know? Japanese women are known to drink large amounts of rooibos tea for its positive effect on skin and hair!
Rose hips are the bulbous, garnet red fruits of the rose plant which detoxifies the body due to its laxative and diuretic properties. It eliminates toxins and unwanted fats in an efficient manner. If you struggle with constipation or a low metabolism rate, the said herb can be a key ingredient for your tea blend. Rose hip will impart a tart taste to your tea so be reminded to pair it with a sweet ingredient if you do find it too sharp.
Above all, have fun and relish your cup of tea, your way! But in any case, if laziness takes over, we’ve got you covered with our delicious Nilufer Tea organic herbal teas that contain many of the above beneficial herbs. Check them out here!
Written by: Valerie Tan
