How to prepare for Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day without leaving Singapore

We are less than a fortnight to ushering in the Year of the Dragon on 10 February. Traditionally, the Year of the Dragons is known to be auspicious. According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of the Dragon in 2024 is predicted to be "a great year to start new projects, explore new opportunities, and create value for yourself and others." With the past few years dealing with the pandemic, this certainly sounds fabulous, doesn't it?

As we welcome the new year, many of us feel overwhelmed with a gargantuan to-do list such as deep cleaning the house, making beauty appointments, gifting, grocery shopping, and booking restaurant reservations, on top of organising home parties. Even selecting the type of cuisine to order in and cater to the palates of your guests can be time-consuming as well!

And it certainly doesn’t help that Valentine’s Day (VD) is right smack in the middle of the Chinese New Year (CNY), happening on the first day of work, no less! Let's take a deep breath, Keep Calm, and Carry On as we welcome the lunar new year with this guide to tackle both CNY and VD!

Get pretty before the mayhem ensues!

Did you know that the fifth storey at Ngee Ann City, on top of a selection of top restaurants, is dedicated to health, beauty, and wellness? Known as The Fifth at Ngee Ann City, you can find a plethora of health and beauty services from top-notch brands like TK TrichoKare, Avenue Medical + Surgery Group, Cheryl W, Caring Skin, and more.

Step out with confidence this Chinese New Year. Head on to Avenue Medical + Surgery Group, where you get to experience tailored care and the latest advancements in aesthetic medicine with their Tighten Skin, Wrinkle Free All Year 龙! treatment from now till 1 April. The gold standard in skin tightening and sculpting, this non-surgical treatment that is safe for all skin types creates a tightened, toned, and more lifted appearance of the skin, helping you create a more youthful appearance with just one treatment.

For those with troubled skin, Caring Skin, an expert in sensitive and acne skin concerns, promises to soothe your woes. Specialising in using natural plant-based ingredients, backed by the latest advancements in skincare technology, Caring Skin is the only facial spa to use the 7th Generation VISIA Skin Analysis that allows them to tailor highly personalised treatments for every customer. The homegrown facial spa has garnered over 7,000 five-star reviews in the last 10 years. Best of all, Caring Skin is customer-centric and known for their signature painless extractions and no hard-selling policy.

Head to The Fifth at Ngee Ann City today and look your best during the Chinese New Year!

Never RSVP empty-handed

One thing my mother taught me was never to go to people's homes empty-handed. If you are looking for something exquisite, try the Lady M 2024 Lunar New Year Gift Set. This exclusive gift box is a keeper where each drawer offers a surprise. The set comes in a pop-up of intricately cut-out plum blossoms which spins as you open the lid. Within, enjoy six unique confections celebrating the Lunar New Year: Abundant Roasted Almonds, Cheerful Coconut Chocolates, Prosperous Melon Pearls, Sweet Sesame Crunch, Harmonious Coconut Crêpes, and Lucky Earl Grey Crêpes. This set includes five lucky red envelopes, a matching greeting card, and a custom gift bag. Get it now.

Of course, when it comes to gifting, how can we forget our homegrown brand Irvins’. Bring along the Irvins 2024 Lunar New Year Box that includes three packs of different flavours. Usher in the CNY with must-haves such as the Irvins Salted Egg Prawn Roll and Irvins Salted Egg Arrowhead Chips.

Shop Irvins at its official website, Lazada and Shopee.

Hostest with the mostest

Chinese New Year is never complete without Yusheng. Look to Senshi Sushi and Grill’s Abalone & Salmon Yu Sheng, a delectable masterpiece with the rich flavours of premium abalone and succulent salmon, harmoniously combined with the exquisite Yuzu Truffle Sauce. Do note that it is only available from now until 24 February 2024.

For a different rendition of Yusheng which comprises an exquisite blend of freeze-dried dragon fruit, tender baby abalones, and succulent smoked salmon, try the Majestic Yusheng from Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore.

Fancy some gold dust in your Yusheng? Then you won’t go wrong with Deliveroo X Soup Restaurant’s limited-edition Golden Yusheng, a potpourri of premium ingredients like baby abalone, freshly grated carrots, crispy yam, sweet potato strips, and longan, each carrying their symbolic well wishes for the new year. The Golden Yusheng Set is complemented by Soup Restaurant's signature Samsui Ginger Chicken and a delectable Golden Mango Sago Dessert.

Embrace your health

With so many mouthwatering food beckoning and parties to attend this festive season, overindulging is a very real thing. Look to LAC's Activated Liver Protector and Belli Lean to counteract all the feasting to come! How do they work? Here’s some science talk.

LAC Belli Lean works hand-in-hand with the body’s natural metabolism, further enhancing the body to metabolise fat more effectively. Crafted with natural ingredients, you get to reduce belly fat conveniently with Belli Lean. Simply bring along the sachets during your CNY house visits and mix them in water or take them on their own.

An increase in consumption of deep-fried, oily food and alcohol is only to be expected during the Chinese New Year period. This means our liver, in charge of filtration, digestion, metabolism, and detoxification (amongst other functions), is probably going to be overloaded. Try LAC Activated Liver Protector which uses cutting-edge formulation with an advanced blend of antioxidants and natural extracts derived from traditional Chinese herbs to actively nurture and fortify the liver.

Get them at LAC | Lazada | Shopee

Out and about: Where to celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore

Not many relatives and friends opening their doors to you? Celebrate your Chinese New Year at VivoCity where the mall is set for a dragon-sized extravaganza to welcome the auspicious Year of the Dragon, complete with exciting in-store deals, activities, and entertainment from now until 9 February. On top of Dragon dance, and roving mascots such as Fu Lu Shou and God of Fortune, the mall is also chockful of activities and freebies. At the Tangs CNY Fair: Embark on an exploration of festive snacks and condiments at the highly anticipated fair which returns this year, featuring 48 local and international brands - from crowd favourites including Hong Kong MX, and La Levain to exciting new participants like Pineapple Tarts SG, Hokki, and Da Jia Le. At the same time, redeem your set of exclusive red packets and satin organisers, attainable with a S$288 minimum spend; or elevate your celebrations with decorative trays available with a S$388 minimum spend.

And when night falls, head over to Sentosa via the Sentosa Express and have some fun at Skyline Luge’s new Ride the Beat experience at night. Every Friday and Saturday from 7pm – 9pm, Skyline Luge will be transformed into a musical extravaganza, with monthly musical themes and special guest DJ playlists while you ride the luge.

Skyline Luge Singapore offers 2.6km of downhill fun split between four thrilling Luge tracks. Each neon-lit track has specially designed features that include curvy corners and exhilarating tunnels that will have you grinning from ear to ear. Choose between the Expedition Trail or the Jungle Trail for the best musical experience during your ride. Brace yourself as you get enveloped in a sensory symphony that electrifies the air the moment you push off at the starting point embarking on your chosen track.

Exclusively from 1 February to 30 April, Skyline Luge collaborates with Shake Shack with exciting launch promotions. You get a free box of Cheese Fries from Shake Shack with every purchase of Night Luge’s 3 Ride Combo. Grab your friends and create unforgettable memories at Sentosa with adrenaline-pumping rides and beachside gatherings.

Get your tickets at Klook.

Satisfy your tummy: Restaurants & Bars for Valentine's Day 2024

Whether you are looking for venues for your family reunion, to celebrate Valentine's Day or just to have a drink with your squad, there are dining and drinking options aplenty. For an East-meets-West vibe, head to Chopsuey Cafe at Dempsey. Featuring ala carte, vegetarian, and set menus with delectable twists on your CNY favourite classics, Chopsuey Cafe’s fusion plates with a kick of spice to wholesome hearty soup dishes and traditional desserts are set to win everyone’s hearts. Don’t miss Chopsuey Lucky Lunar lohei which boasts a symphony of flavours such as trout, kale, celeriac, and red radish and is topped with real gold leaves.

For smaller reunion meals, try The Dragon Chamber’s New Year Set Menu (S$488++) which includes a Lobster Salad Yu Sheng boasting a whole lobster surrounded by tosses of smoked salmon, prawns, and dragonfruit, perfect for groups of five. Reserve here.

For fuss-free home dining, try Modern Provision's Steamboat Sets with options of Seafood, Pork, Beef & Everything delivered right to your doorstep with homemade broth, condiments, and a variety of mushrooms and greens. Order here.

For a romantic meal, look no further than Allora Ristorante and Bar at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, an authentic Italian restaurant, and bar perfect to bring your date for Valentine's. You get to choose from the chic dining room, vibrant lobby lounge, inviting alfresco area, and stylish bar areas. Newly opened in January this year, Allora operates on a hybrid buffet-a-la-carte concept and is slated to be the sole Italian restaurant with a buffet spread in the Changi Airport area. Indulge in a lavish spread of handcrafted pizza, artisanal pasta, and antipasti. Round off your meal with their thoughtfully curated fine wine, spirits, and cocktails.

For a full-on Valentine's Day celebration, look to Lion Brewery Co. which is serving up a thoughtfully curated six-course meal including starters, soup, main course, and dessert, complemented by an amuse bouche and palate cleanser. What's more, each couple gets a Valentine's Day gift worth S$50 for keepsake. Enjoy this culinary experience for S$138++ while singles are welcome at S$78++. Those who make early reservations by 7 February 2024 can savour the dinner at a special rate of S$108++ (U.P. S$138). The dinner is available on a pre-order basis.

For tipples, look to the fully refurbished Club 5 by Parkroyal on Beach Road with its spanking new sleek interior. Explore past and present cultures through craft cocktails inspired by the diverse history of Arab Street, Beach Road, and Bugis Street located within the heritage neighbourhood of Kampong Gelam. Check out Club 5's Bartenders’ Choice of Cocktails menu which cleverly uses local and international ingredients to come up with uniquely handcrafted concoctions. Club 5 also serves delicious bar nibbles – a modern interpretation of classic heritage fare inspired by the rich flavours and spices of the Southeast Asian region.

Those looking for a more casual vibe should check out The Guild. The bar features over 18 craft beer taps imported primarily from Young Master Brewery's Hong Kong, draft cocktails on tap with the option of two sizes, featuring creations like the Higher than Salted Lime and seven signature cocktails with Asian-inspired and beer elements. Of course, comfort bar food such as Black Pepper Glazed Pork Belly & Good Ol’ Mac ‘N Cheese variant, locally-inspired dishes such as Chye Poh Hummus and Wild Mushroom Rice in claypot, as well as their signatures like Guildhouse Meatball, Alton’s Fried Chicken and Stout 'N Coffee Tiramisu are not to be missed. The Guild has recently introduced an all-day Beer Flight (4 X 100ml) at only S$18 on its regular menu serving as a good introduction to its wide range of alcoholic drinks.

Valentine's Day gifts for him and her

For Valentines who take fitness very seriously, consider getting him or her a Suunto GPS multisport watch. The new Suunto Race, Your Ultimate Training & Racing Companion, available in five colourways, provides advanced training metrics, has an unprecedented battery life of 26 days, features offline map reading, HRV Recovery measurement, sleep tracking, music controls, and much, much more. Best of all, its bright amoled display on a 1.43-inch touchscreen is perfect for true sportspersons on the move. Give the gift of health today with a Suunto Multisport watch. Get a matching set with your S.O.

On the topic of fitness, this Valentine's, check out the Three Stripes Valentine's Day Sportswear collection from adidas. You will never go wrong with gifting your S.O. with the adidas Valentine's Day Stan Smith shoes and Valentine's Tee. Better yet, twin with your Valentine by going matchy-matchy with the female version of All SZN Valentine's Day Pullover Hoodie and the male version of All SZN Valentine's Day Pullover Hoodie. Complete the look with the All SZN Valentine's Day Pants. Click to see the entire adidas Valentine's collection.

If your partner is more into comfort, look to Skechers. Get all lovey-dovey and don yourselves in Skechers Red Mood Collection. Or get her the special collaboration with Skechers X J Goldcrown. Tastefully emblazoned with hearts, the Skechers x JGoldcrown Collection is a vibrant burst of creativity with its latest signature and stylish UNO sneakers with internationally renowned muralist, James Goldcrown. Available in seven captivating colour choices, each sneaker in this collection comes with a lace-up synthetic durabuck upper and perforated trim style, paired with a Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam® comfort insole and a flexible traction outsole.

Get Skechers today.

Fragrances can evoke certain moods. Look to Givenchy's latest Irresistible Eau de Parfum Very Floral – the very epitome of femininity and passion. As the latest addition to the Irresistible line debuted in 2020, Very Floral offers a heady blend of floral woody notes combining Centifolia Rose with Rose Essential to reveal an intensely feminine yet naturally musky trail.

Notably, for the first time, the Centifolia Rose was sourced from Grasse, a renowned perfume capital for its high-quality flowers and fragrance ingredients. For the very first time, this variation has the unexpected freshness of coconut water tog with a white bouquet of Iris Concrete, Madagascar Ylang-Ylang, and Indian Jasmine Sambac Absolute.

Visit Givenchy Beauty’s Irresistible launchpad at Sephora ION Orchard, #B2-09 from now to 14 February to receive a 2-piece gift (worth $40) with a minimum spend of S$120 on Givenchy Beauty products. Or receive an additional 2-piece gift, worth S$80, with a minimum spend of S$180 on Givenchy Beauty products. Exclusively on 2 February, 7pm to 9pm, and 3 February, 2pm to 4pm, shoppers also stand to receive a complimentary Givenchy Beauty pink pouch with customised embroidery by @isabellimdesigns.

Alternatively, get a complimentary 3-piece Irresistible Discovery Kit which features all three Irresistible variations when you visit the Givenchy Beauty Raffles City Boutique (#01-40B) from 3 February onwards, while stocks last.

Look out for Givenchy Beauty's Lunar New Year launches which include Givenchy Le Rouge Interdit Cream Velvet Liquid Lipstick (available in 10 shades), Le Rouge Interdit Intense Silk Lipstick (Lunar New Year Limited Edition, Prisme Libre Skin-caring Corrector, and the Prisme Libre Blush that comes in four shades.

Givenchy Beauty is available on Sephora.

Should your S.O. be someone into kawaii-ness, get her the newly-launched Anothersole X Forever Hello Kitty collaboration which includes the ANEW tote bag, 247 sneakers and Anytime flats. The 8-piece capsule is timeless, trendy and so easy to mix and match. The number one feature that seals the deal is the comfort level of the shoes. I have heard of school teachers who are required to be on their feet the entire day, swearing by the Anytime flats which are made of LWG-certified high-quality Argentinean Bovine leather. The 247 sneakers are ergonomically crafted from LWG-certified high-quality Nappa cow leathers fitted with a sports footbed made using 100% castor bean oil to support your daily stride. Get them at Tangs, Takashimaya, Bugis and VivoCity.

For the man who has it all, look to Manscaped’s newly launched Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra – a gift that both you and your S.O. will enjoy. Manscaped’s Lawn Mower 5.0 ultra, a groin and body hair trimmer is a game-changer for partners who suffer from beard burns. This engineering marvel is packed with premium upgrades including brand new dual SkinSafe trimmer and foil blade heads designed to help reduce the risk of nicks and cuts, three length settings, a 7,700 RPM motor, USB-C and wireless charging, travel lock, dual temperature LED spotlight, and a waterproof design.

Manscaped is available at Amazon, Shopee, and Lazada.

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