SG50 Archives - Connected Women - Entrepreneurs, Freelancers and Professionals.

Celebrating #SG50: 50 Favourite Fun Food Quotes

Liza Rowan — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 16:00:00 +0000

We have finally reached the Jubilee weekend, where around the globe people will celebrate Singapore being 50 years young!

Food and drink is a huge part of these celebrations, so we thought we’d ‘lighten up’ by sharing our favorite health and nutrition quotes..

Always keep a bottle of champagne in the fridge for special occasions. Sometimes, the special occasion is that you’ve got a bottle of champagne in the fridge. (Hester Browne)

Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the ‘Titanic’ who waved off the dessert cart. (Erma Bombeck)

Wine gives one ‘ideas’, where as champagne gives one ‘strategies’. (Roman Payne)

I’d give up chocolate, but I’m not a quitter.

I have gained and lost the same ten pounds so many times over and over again, my cellulite must have déjà vu. (Jane Wagner)

Gluten free, dairy free, fat free – I love this champagne diet!

You better cut the pizza into four pieces, because I’m not hungry enough to eat six.

Warning: I’m exercising, eating right, and watching my alcohol intake. Which means I’m sober. I’m cranky and I’m sore. So proceed with caution.

My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people. (Orson Wells)

I screwed up my diet for this Monday. Looks like I‘ll have to wait until next Monday since diets can’t possibly start on any other day of the week.

Alcohol may be man’s worst enemy, but God said love your enemy. (Frank Sinatra)

The only way I’m eating healthy is if I write “healthy” on top of this cake with frosting.

Be careful about reading health books. You might die of a misprint. (Mark Twain)

I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food. (W.C. Fields)

Skinny people are easy to kidnap. Stay Safe – Eat Cake.

Chocolate doesn’t ask silly questions. Chocolate understands.

You are what you eat. That’s funny. I don’t remember eating a sexy beast this morning.

I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number in a diamond. (Mae West)

A good man can make you feel strong, full of energy and able to take on the world. No sorry – that’s coffee. Coffee does that.

Happiness is knowing there’s cake in the oven.

Dear diet, things just aren’t working between us. It’s not me, it’s you. You’re tasteless, boring, and I just can’t stop cheating on you.

Everyone thinks it’s a girl’s dream to find the perfect guy. It’s actually every girl’s dream to get thin by eating cup cakes.

Another good reducing exercise consists in placing both hands again the table edge and pushing it back.

The only thing this juice diet has cleansed me of is the will to live.

One of the nicest things about life is that we must regularly stop whatever we are doing and devote our attention to eating. (Pavarotti)

Chocolate comes from the cocoa tree, which is a plant. So chocolate is salad. Period.

Cake is the answer no matter the question.

Behind every successful person is a substantial amount of coffee.

A balanced diet means chocolate in both hands.

I’m on the Gin & Tonic diet – so far I’ve lost 2 days.

I tried every diet in the book. I tried some that weren’t in the book. I tried eating the book. It tasted better than most of the diets. (Dolly Parton)

My friend thinks he’s smart, he said onions are the only food that makes you cry. So I threw a coconut at his face.

Vegetables are a must on a diet – I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread and pumpkin pie. (Jim Davies)

How do I like my eggs? – In a cake.

Whenever I feel like exercise, I lie down until the feeling passes. (Robert Hutchins)

I eat cake because it’s somebody’s birthday somewhere.

Going to McDonalds for a salad is like going to a prostitute for a hug.

Stressed is desserts spelled backwards.

Older people shouldn’t eat health food. They need all the preservatives they can get. (Robert Orben)

Whoever said ‘nothing tastes as good as skinny feels’ has clearly never had cupcakes, or wine, or chocolate, or pizza.

Inside some of us is some thin person struggling to get out, but they can usually be sedated with a pieces of chocolate cake.

I thought ‘clean eating’ was devouring cup cakes while mopping the floor.

I enjoy a glass of wine each night for its health benefits. The other glasses are for my witty comebacks and flawless dance moves.

I drink while I work out. I call it Bacardio.

If you weren’t supposed to have midnight snacks, then why is there a light in the fridge?

I drink to make other people more interesting. (Ernest Hemingway)

You can’t buy happiness but you can buy ice-cream.

If vegetarians love animals so much, why do they eat all their food?

I’ve been on a diet for 14 days, and all I’ve lost is 2 weeks.

I am not fat; I’m a nutritional overachiever.

I’ve been known to use the last one on occasion ;-). Should you have any quotes to add to our list, we’d love to hear from you. Humour is a huge part of our wellness – after all they tell us, “Laughter is the best medicine”

Visit Health and Vitality page to find out more about Liza's work.

The post Celebrating #SG50: 50 Favourite Fun Food Quotes appeared first on Connected Women - Entrepreneurs, Freelancers and Professionals..

Celebrating National day: 10 Tips to Photograph Fireworks

Helga Herrera — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 16:00:00 +0000

As Singapore celebrates another birthday, it’s a precious time to take your dusty DSLR camera out and take photos of all the celebrations. One of the main activities is the National Day Parade and of course, the captivating fireworks display taking place in the evening. Don’t worry about taking blurry shots, we’ve got you covered!

Like they say in Forrest Gump: “Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you’re going to get.” Well, firework photos are JUST like that, the patterns, timing and perspective are all in constant change… and you never know what you’re going to get. It is always a surprise to look back at your firework photos, whether it be a pleasant one or not is a different story!

So, to help you out here are 10 tips to assure that the 2 hours spent with your camera pointed at the sky were worth it! Planning is key , fireworks don’t last very long, so you need to be ready:

1. Make sure you have an unobstructed view of the fireworks. Good places include, Marina Bay Sands, Promenade or One Fullerton, just to mention a few. The angle might be different, but you will still be able to catch amazing views.

2. If you’re taking the photos from a Hotel or a building around the area, avoid shooting through glass, your photos won’t be as sharp. If you don’t have any other choice than shooting through a closed window, make sure that all the lights in the room are turned off, so that you can minimize light reflection.

3. You will need a wide angle lens (at least 35 mm), a tripod and a remote control. The tripod and the remote control will help you avoid any shakiness when taking the photo.

4. You have to mount your camera on a stable tripod, otherwise your photos will be blurry due to the shakiness of your hands. If there is wind, make sure that your tripod doesn’t shake, use weights or hold it steadily.

5. Use a remote control or the self timer (2 seconds), to avoid shaking the camera when you press the shutter.

6. Settings may vary, but typically I suggest using the lowest possible ISO (200 or less, depending on the camera), F18 and a shutter speed between 3.5 and 8 seconds. Shutter speed depends on how many individual fireworks you want to capture in the same photo, how many are shot at the same time and the ISO that you are using.

7. If you want more control over the shutter speed, you can work on “B – Bulb” instead of “M – Manual”.

8. The best photos are the first ones, before there isn’t any smoke. The last fireworks can be stunning, but the background is full of smoke and the contrast against a black or blue sky is partially lost.

9. Practice is key. There will be fireworks during several days this weekend, so if you’re photos don’t turn as you wish the first time, try again!

10. Enjoy the fireworks! Majulah Singapura!

—

Interested in meeting other experts in the community? Join Connected Women, it’s free!

The post Celebrating National day: 10 Tips to Photograph Fireworks appeared first on Connected Women - Entrepreneurs, Freelancers and Professionals..

Celebrating #SG50: Gifts to Give on Jubilee Weekend

Ying Yih Low — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 16:00:00 +0000

As our Nation celebrates its 50th birthday, let’s toast to prosperity and good health!

Looking for gifts for special occasions during SG50? How about gifts for a pioneer in your family?

Promotion starts today until 12 August 2015, or while stocks last. Buy a 100gm x 2 (twin pack) Gift Bottles and get a 50gm Gift Bottle (worth $188) FREE! ONLY 5 free 50gm Gift Bottles are available for give away. This promo is on first come first served basis.

Our friendly staff will contact you should you win the giveaway. Call 9038 0126 for enquiries or visit www.KingOfNests.com.

The post Celebrating #SG50: Gifts to Give on Jubilee Weekend appeared first on Connected Women - Entrepreneurs, Freelancers and Professionals..

Celebrating #SG50: 50 Reasons To Get Your Kids Cooking

Liza Rowan — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:00:00 +0000

Cooking, and appreciation of good food, is something we acquire; as put by the infamous Julia Child “No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing”.

Getting our kids into the kitchen is truly a gift we can give them, and ourselves. I hope that the benefits listed here will motivate you to start having fun in the kitchen with your little treasures, and bigger gems – it’s never too late to start!

1. It gets our kids away from electronics, at least for a while

2. They learn about various fruits and vegetables – colours, types, textures, origins

3. It’s a wonderful way of bonding and communicating

4. Kids learn about measuring methods and tools

5. They learn to cut and chop skillfully and carefully

6. Kids get to touch and feel different textures of foods

7. They become familiar with many different smells

8. We learn about herbs and spices – their flavours, colours and medicinal benefits

9. Kids appreciate the balance of tastes – sweet, bitter, sour, salty

10. They learn about ingredients and recipes from different cultures

11. We can get creative and experiment together

12. Kids are more likely to be enthusiastic about trying new foods – textures, tastes and flavours

13. Cooking with kids is a great way to subtly help picky eaters

14. Cooking together encourages eating together at the table

15. Kids learn appreciation for the cost of food and meals

16. They also appreciate the time and effort involved in meal preparation and other household chores

17. Kids learn to read and follow instructions

18. Math skills are improved as we weigh and measure

19. We learn to work together with our kids, and to negotiate through challenges

20. The art of patience is tested, and hopefully learned

21. Cooking has lessons of chemistry – e.g. the states and changes of matter; liquids-gas-solids

22. Lessons about our environment – the need to look after our land and reduce global food waste

23. We learn about how foods are processed from their natural state

24. Organization and planning skills are acquired

25. Coordination is also key, so that all parts of a meal come together at the right time

26. Kids learn how to set the table

27. Table manners become more important with a better focus on enjoying meals

28. Skills for life are acquired

29. Kids learn about foods that come from various animals and plants

30. We can teach about the different types of diet and ways of eating - vegan, vegetarian, low-carb

31. We appreciate cultural differences in food choices

32. Kids learn about safety in the kitchen

33. As a parent, you might get to put your feet up for a little while

34. Kids learn to problem solve by making substitutions and compromising

35. They learn that cleaning up doesn’t just happen!

36. We can teach about the macro and micro-nutrients and why we need healthy food

37. With younger kids, cooking helps their fine motor skills

38. Kids learn how to take on and accept responsibility

39. We can explore and pass on family recipes and traditions

40. Kids appreciate the need to contribute to daily family chores

41. They are more likely to shop, put groceries away, clear up after a meal

42. Kids will eat less junk food as they wait for family dinner

43. Cooking builds self-confidence and esteem

44. They learn about various devices and appliances, and how to use them safely

45. We can learn how to read and comprehend nutrition labels

46. We appreciate and understand food allergies and intolerances

47. We can teach about food portions and healthy components of a nutritious meal

48. Kids learn that leftovers can be enjoyed in so many different ways – the versatility of food!

49. Kids might be encouraged to grow herbs and some produce; the power of nurturing

50. Most importantly it’s fun!

They say cooking is love made visible and edible; show your kids by spending moments with them creating nurturing dishes that you can enjoy as a family. After all, they say “a family that eats together stays together.”

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Visit Health and Vitality page to find out more about Liza's work.

Did you enjoy this post? Please comment, like and share!

The post Celebrating #SG50: 50 Reasons To Get Your Kids Cooking appeared first on Connected Women - Entrepreneurs, Freelancers and Professionals..

Celebrating #SG50: Where To Go and What To Do on Jubilee Weekend

Stephanie Palma — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 16:00:00 +0000

The whole island is starting to be filled with colourful lights and wonderful sounds and things are just going to get better as we celebrate #SG50. Can you feel the celebration vibe starting to drum up?

We got you covered on the most exciting places to be in to celebrate the jubilee weekend. Make it extra special by discovering more of Singapore’s rich culture and history. So, clear your planners on the long holiday and give yourself that much-deserved treat.

National Day Parade from Padang to Marina Bay

How about experiencing SG50’s best on a different angle by securing a spot at the Padang, the site of many historical events in the country over the past 50 years, including the declaration of Singapore’s independence? Prepare yourself to be in awe of the display of colourful lights and joyous sounds as you witness the cultural pride, defense capabilities and diversity of people on parade. You can join the mass engagement activities after, too!

Food adventure with #SGEatWithUs at Waterfront Promenade

Connect with your fellow locals on an intimate level. #SGEatWithUs is a movement that is passionate about sharing home- cooked meals and how it can bring communities closer. A food carnival will pop up around Marina Bay where you can grab heartwarming dishes and chat with the great folks who prepared it. The carnival will be at the Waterfront Promenade Open Space and will be open on August 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, and 9th. Stalls are open from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Music and talent at The Esplanade Theaters by the Bay

Engulf yourself with Singapore’s rich talent at The Esplanade Theaters by the Bay. There’s an array of exciting programs to enjoy, from free performances, workshops, talks, to interactive artwork that explores the lights and sounds of our everyday lives, on August 6th to 10th.

Music lover? Drop by the Esplanade Concert Hall open house on August 8th for a unique experience of the acoustic features in action and for a variety of live music performances.

The jubilee weekend will certainly be filled with music and art that will take you on a journey through Singapore’s years. Visit Esplanade’s website for the complete lineup of activities.

Sing Your Hearts Out at Sing50

Celebrate the milestone with 50 years’ worth of wonderful music. Sing along to English, Chinese, Malay and Indian pop hits; dance to the groove of jazz and rap; marvel in your favourite musicals; and bask in Cultural Medallion recipient Dr Kelly Tang’s commissioned piece for 50 pianos. With more than 70 artists, 1000-strong choir, pianists, rappers and the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, the jubilee weekend will be a one big production number you will surely enjoy being a part of.

Experience Culture through Museum Roundtable

Take your family to a wonderful journey to the past; visit private and public museums, heritage galleries, and unique attraction of science and discovery in Singapore. See complete list of participating members and the exciting activities they have prepared for you here.

Enjoy Picnics at the Park Near You

Are you up for a laid back but fun-filled day with your family? Go on a picnic at the park near you on August 7th and enjoy the carnival activities, bouncy castles, roving buskers and kite flying with your kids!

Want to stay until dark? Families For Life and NParks prepared a movie screening for you, starting at 7PM! You can watch movies while your kids stargaze!

Shop at Keepers on Orchard Road

The Keepers feature home-grown designers and artisans. See fresh and hip styles from bags, accessories to men and women’s wear. Discover the great talent of these designers; you’ll be pleased with what they’ll have to offer. For sure, you won’t find these pieces elsewhere.

With all these exciting activities in store for you, I’m sure you wish jubilee weekend was longer. Plan ahead and make the most out of #SG50 Celebration!

The post Celebrating #SG50: Where To Go and What To Do on Jubilee Weekend appeared first on Connected Women - Entrepreneurs, Freelancers and Professionals..

Celebrating SG50: 50 Free Ways To Be Healthy

Liza Rowan — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 16:00:00 +0000

It’s a common perception that being healthy costs money, and takes a lot of effort. As we celebrate 50 years of Singapore enjoying its independence, and thriving economy and otherwise, let’s commit to making all our days a little brighter by focusing on our wellbeing and adopting a positive more appreciative outlook.

Here are some easy ways to start doing so now, that won’t cost you much – just a little effort and good attitude.

1. First thing when you get up, look in the mirror, smile and say “This is going to be a great day!”

2. Do a few light stretches, or gentle yoga poses.

3. Sip on a large glass of warm water with fresh lemon juice.

4. Avoid looking at email until your ‘work day’ officially begins.

5. Take time to have a nourishing breakfast.

6. Make an effort to engage positively with your partner/kids.

7. Carry a water bottle at all times.

8. Plan, and stock, for healthy snacks. (Download Liza’s Healthy Snacking Guide below!)

9. Take the stairs; skip the short ride and fit in a brisk walk.

10. Pack your own lunch for work/school.

11. Take regular breaks from the computer screen.

12. Go meatless beyond Mondays.

13. Make your own smoothies, coffee, popcorn, etc.

14. Use a journal to track your meals, exercise, social calendar (makes it much more likely to happen).

15. Get to bed earlier, around the same time every night.

16. Increase proportion of ‘veggie colour’ at every meal.

17. Don’t sit for long periods – get up for a short walk.

18. Your stomach doesn’t taste or have teeth, so savour and chew your food.

19. Reduce alcohol intake – plan your weekly units.

20. Enjoy good quality caffeine, but not too much.

21. Floss more, then show off your efforts– SMILE

22. Destress with a warm bath, walk in nature, inspiring music.

23. Each day, do a random act of kindness.

24. Get ingredient savvy – look at nutrition labels.

25. Spice up your life - use more spices and herbs.

26. Eat less sugar, you’re sweet enough

27. Expose your skin to Vitamin D daily (if climate doesn’t allow, take Vitamin D3 drops).

28. Find an exercise you enjoy, and just do it. Tick.

29. Eat less packaged and convenience food.

30. Be assertive when dining out – ask for items grilled or steamed, sauce and dressing on the side.

31. Go for whole grain over white, processed carbs.

32. Keep a journal of your thoughts, meals, fitness routine (makes you accountable).

33. Invest time in learning about better nutrition.

34. Be aware of chemicals in personal care, household items and the environment. Better alternatives are no more expensive.

35. Get out of the office at lunch time – go for a stroll, catch up with a friend.

36. Show your love and appreciation more; it comes back in spades.

37. Lift weights – for a stronger body and mind.

38. Watch less TV – swap it out for romance

39. Understand hunger versus appetite (use hunger scale)

40. Try a new recipe or dish every week.

41. Reduce and replace gluten and dairy; adds variety and nutrients to your diet.

42. Laugh more – it’s proven to be medicinal.

43. Don’t sweat the small stuff – let go, move on.

44. Enjoy a decadent dessert once in a while – quality over quantity every time.

45. Adopt a ‘no electronics in the bedroom’ policy (see #38).

46. Avail of free health and dental checkups; but pay if you have to. Prevention is far better than cure.

47. Practice deep breathing or meditation for a few minutes daily.

48. Hang out with people you like, life’s too short.

49. De-clutter your stuff - ‘less is more’ is a fact.

50. Before you retire, look in the mirror, smile, say “Thank you for this day”.

So there you have it – not so difficult and all within your grasp. Commit to adopting 1 or 2 of these a week, and you’ll reap the rewards before the end of Singapore’s 50th year celebrations.

Happy Birthday Amazing Singapura! Congratulations on turning 50, and thank you for being so kind to us all.

For further reading on topics see Health and Vitality page.

Did you enjoy this post? Please comment, like and share!

Also, for the links at the end of the page perhaps head with

"For further reading on topics see” and you might want the links to open in a new window so you don’t lose the reader from the Executive Lifestyle site.

The post Celebrating SG50: 50 Free Ways To Be Healthy appeared first on Connected Women - Entrepreneurs, Freelancers and Professionals..

SG50 Freebies for Newborns and Newlyweds!

Lim Shiyun — Fri, 29 May 2015 16:00:00 +0000

CELEBRATING SG50 WITH YOU!

This is the 50th year of independence of Singapore and I am pleased to celebrate SG50 with you and your family and friends.

Enclosed are a variety of SG50 promotional vouchers* from providers of F&B, Health Screening, Photography, Skin Care and more. These are home grown Singapore labels whose products and services were put together especially for you. To claim your vouchers, contact me here.

I also welcome you to contact me for personal financial planning advice in the following areas:

Insurance portfolio review,
CPF Life and Retirement Planning
Medishield Life and Medical Insurance Planning
Savings & Investments (Cash/ CPF/ SRS)
Children Education & Special Needs Planning
Will Writing & Family Trust Planning

Here is wishing you and your family a most wonderful 2015 and cheers to SG50!

The post SG50 Freebies for Newborns and Newlyweds! appeared first on Connected Women - Entrepreneurs, Freelancers and Professionals..