Alex - Here have what I know

1. Cry every time you feel the need to. If you don’t release pent-up emotions, you’ll lash out at someone you don’t mean to.

2. Listen to music that reminds you of happy times, not sad songs.

3. Seek out company. There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a pet to lift your spirits, so check out the SPCA today and you and your new pet will both benefit.

4. Exercise, eat well and get into nature. Looking after yourself is key.

5. Make time for things you love to do and let everything else fit around that.
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Seven reasons why you should never move in with a man who’s never lived on his own.

You’ve finally snared yourself a man who doesn’t break out in a rash at the thought of commitment. He may even have told you he loves you before you uttered these words.

Giddy infatuation has over a few months given way to solid foundations of communication and consideration. Better still, these factors have combined to have you both thinking of and speaking about taking things to the next logical level: cohabitation.

Smart move. Despite several international studies which suggest couples who lived together before they got married have a higher divorce rate than those who did not, we’re not yet talking about nuptials. The fact remains there is no better way to get to know someone in his entirety than to live with him. Yes, you will be exposed to every nail-biting, toe-cleaning, pimple-squishing habit, but you will learn to love him despite these traits. One need only look at the relationships most of us have with our siblings for proof.
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Is the stress from doubling your workload before going on leave worth it? Here’s how to ensure you leave free from office-woes.

Step 1: STAY POSITIVE
Having something to look forward to helps. Holiday starts on the 20th? Decorate that particular spot on your table-planner with bright markers so you can see yourself moving closer to it.

Step 2: GET SUPPORT
Don’t be afraid to let family and friends know you have-to clear your work before your leave and that could mean OT. They’ll be more understanding when you arrive late for, or postpone, appointments.
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City slickers just don’t know how to relax. There are 101 things to be done and you’d rather be a super-duper multi-tasker than sit around twiddling your thumbs. But if you’re starting to forget things, lose your appetite or can’t sleep through the night, it’s time to go for a massage, take a work sabbatical, or try these simple ways to recharge the mind and body.

1. Rejuvenate with a massage
Massaging the face or body can aid in blood circulation and relieve tension. All it takes is an extra five minutes on top of your daily skincare ritual. When applying your body lotion, use slow, luxurious strokes (upward and circular motions). Avoid doing this in an air-conditioned room so as to keep the body temperature warm.

2. Refresh the body
If crashing in front of the telly and raiding the fridge are high on your agenda, be sure the fridge is stocked with healthy bites like yoghurt, carrot and celery sticks, and melon cubes - this way, you can also ensure that you get your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. If you’re craving savoury munchies, snack on pretzels or baked tortilla chips and pair them with salsa instead of sour cream. Your body will feel much lighter and fresher and it’ll love you for it.

3. Read a book
One of the best ways to take your mind off the strains of the day is to snuggle in bed with your favourite book. Whatever the genre, it helps to be transported to another time and place - even for an hour. Sure beats worrying about all the stuff you’ve to do tomorrow!
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Here’s how to make daily staples sexy, and all in good taste!

The casual A-line skirt
Bloated days don’t require granny clothes. A slightly roomier A-line skirt can hide a multitude of sins. Pair it with a ribbed knit top that covers enough bulge without sacrificing an ounce of sexiness. A loosely-tied sash around the hips adds the right dash of sass.

The Harajuku inspired hot shorts
Adapted from the bubble shorts seen on the streets of Harajuku, this pair of shorts has just the right amount of volume to flatter your legs and make them look endless. Resist the temptation to pair it with a skimpy top and you’ll look way classier.
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BONTA
Chef Pezzera used to run one of Jakarta’s leading Italian restaurants and he is showing his deft touch here, succeeding in a location where three previous Italian restaurants have failed. His food shows creativity and ingredients are faultless. Decor is modern and simple, and service is well above average. the menu has a leaning towards northern Italian dishes but acknowledging Singapore’s passion for seafood, shellfish and fish are also well represented. Some of our favourite dishes include Parma ham with a melon compote, lobster tartare, tagliolini with black summer truffle and pappardelle with arrabiata oxtail ragu.
207 River Valley Road, 01-61 UE Square River Wing (junction of Mohamed Sultan Road and Unity Street), tel: +65 6333 8875.

DOMVS
This old fashioned grande dame has been serving up Italian fine dining since 1985 and a recent refurb has rendered her far more appealing to the modern, design-conscious consumer. The decor is still formal but has been lightened up somewhat, Southern Italian cuisine, specifically Sicilian, is now the order of the day so the food is lighter and lines of oven-baked spatchcock with candied orange tabbouleh, Burrata cheese with Sinilian tomatoes, and angel hair pasta with Sicilian cured ham.
Sheraton Towers Singapore, 39 Scotts Road, tel: +65 6839-5622.

GARIBALDI
Despite stiff competition in the cool, modern Italian category, Garibaldi is still packing them in. The decor is minimalist almost to the point of austere (Gunther’s next door is in the same vein) but this means that all attention is on the food and deservadly so. Chef Roberto Galetti has garnered a reputation for refined flavours and his use of quality seasonal ingrediets. The home-made pasta is excellent and sauces range from classical to tantalisingly creative. Other highlights include veal alla Milanese and osso bucco.
36 Purvis Street, tel: +65 6837-1468.
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