Getting Started
There’s nothing quite like vertigo to get the blood pumping. Once regarded as an extreme sport, rock climbing is now more popular here than ever, thanks to easily accessible climbing facilities as well as events like the Via Ferrata Wall Challenge, which took place back in October this year. It’s also a fantastic form of exercise—climbing a natural rock wall burns about 700 calories an hour (a session can last up to six hours), and builds all major muscle groups. Avid rock climber Eileen Chua says it’s a mental sport as much as it’s about physical training. “It’s not a mind-numbing activity. You have to plan where next to place your hands and what sort of climbing techniques to use when you come across different types of rock surfaces,” she explains.

Want to take up the challenge? Don’t just jump onto the wall and expect to be the next Spiderman. Outward Bound instructor Alvin Neo says rock climbing is a precision sport. “One little mistake could put you in danger, especially when you’re in a volatile outdoor environment,” he says. “If you’re starting out, be sure to have professional training and supervision first, and practice on indoor walls to build up your confidence and skill. These centers all provide indoor facilities, on-site training and all the necessary equipment you need to learn the ropes:

Singapore Mountaineering Federation (SMF)
This specialist center caters to all levels but more ambitious climbers will be in their element. The SMF offers a comprehensive mountaineering program that is suitable for less advanced climbers but you will need to possess relevant outdoor camping and hiking experience. It’s pretty costly at $2,500 for approximately 25 hours of training (both classroom and outdoor practical sessions) but you will be awarded the Singapore National Certificate in Mountaineering upon completion. There is also a program for ice climbing here (inclusive of on-site training in China, price upon application).
#03-641 Blk. 2 Balestier Rd., 6250-4613, www.smf.org.sg.

Find out where to get your climbing gear

Climbers Laboratory
Climbing enthusiasts looking to have some fun with family and friends can visit this indoor climbing gym, equipped with an eight-meter high climbing wall built using the Triaxplayground surface testing system. Its coating is highly abrasion resistant and can be tuned to your desired roughness. A one-time membership fee here costs $30 inclusive of one free climb, while walk-ins cost $12 each. Gear rental ranges from $2-6. Non-members pay $60-100 for a certification course, which includes one free climb.
#05-153 Enterprise Hub, 48 Toh Guan Road East, 6515-9363, www.exponentasia.com.sg.

Climb Asia
They have three levels of climbing courses here, from Introduction to Climbing to a Level Two certification course. If you just want to try your hand at it, we recommend the introductory course ($44), which will guide you through the different forms of climbing, important safety skills and movement techniques. The level one course teaches you knot and rope work as well as belaying skills. Successful participants will each receive their Sport Climbing Level one certificate ($68) from SMF. The level two course ($142) is a two-day advanced climbing certification that includes lead climbing, belaying, rope ascending and abseiling. The necessary equipment is provided for all courses. If you just want to practice, a single entry costs $12 while gear rental ranges from $3-5.
Civil Service Club, 60 Tessensohn Rd., 6292-7701,
www.climb-asia.com.

Via Ferrata
Partly run by Climb Asia, the Via Ferrata (iron wall) situated within Orchard Central shopping mall is the tallest in the world, towering about five storeys (30 meters) high. This fixed-protection climbing path enables you to experience the thrills of the mountains without many of the risks. Each trip up costs $30 on a weekday and $35 on weekends. There is also a 12-meter high rock wall for those who want to embark on the tougher Experience Climbing program.
#04-22 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6884-4870, www.borderx.com.sg.

Get your own climbing gear here:

Allsports Equipment
This store is frequented by dedicated climbers because it carries one of the best ranges of climbing equipment (including brands like Peltz and Black Diamond) and shoes in town. #04-44 Frontier, 52 Ubi Ave. 3, 6337-7728, www.allsports.com.sg.

Campers Corner
It’s not just climbing gear that you’ll find here; this store outfits all types of outdoor lovers, from jungle trekkers to city backpackers. Their retail team is made up of outdoor enthusiasts themselves, and they stock renowned brands like Black Diamond, Chaco and Arc’teryx. Find day packs, hydration packs, apparel and accessories like durable phone pouches. #01-01, 51 Waterloo St., 6337-4743, www.camperscorner.com.sg.

prAna
Conveniently located close to where all the Via Ferrata instructors congregate, meaning you can easily ask for advice about what apparel you need. Originally created for climbers and yoga enthusiasts, the range of performance wear here is travel-friendly, lightweight and dries fast. The products are also predominantly made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton. #04-22 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6884-4870, www.borderx.com.sg. [Top]

Which one of you is better-looking?
Both: We’re both equally fabulous and gorgeous!

Who’s been under the knife more often than chopped vegetables?
Lady Gaga: I’m not afraid to show it off.
Britney Spears: I believe in being natural.

What do you envy about each other?
Both: We’re both equally fabulous and gorgeous! (roll eyes at each other)

If you could take something, anything, from each other—what would it be?
LG: Justin Timberlake. Oh wait, they’ve already broken up.
BS: Gaga’s shoes.

Britney—you’ve been in the industry a really long time and even snagged some of the hottest boys. Any man-hunting advice you’d like to impart to The Lady?
BS: Try less makeup and more face, yes?

Gaga—you’re known as The Artist. Could you teach Britney how to liven up her act?
LG: More makeup and less face, yes?

If we wanted to dress both of you up for Halloween, what kind of props would we need?
Both: Just lots of attitude and body confidence, darlings.

Catch the talented Derrick Barry strut his stuff at the NYE countdown party Poplicious on Dec 31, 10pm at Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd., 6337-3292. Free.

The arts scene in Singapore has, of late, been making a conscious effort to shatter the misguided notion that art can only be appreciated by the rich and privileged. At the Affordable Art Fair last month, curious amateurs were welcomed with open arms, with all artworks priced below $1,000. New art space Vue Privée aims to develop this burgeoning enthusiasm even further by offering a unique pricing system that will allow all levels of art lovers the opportunity to take home their choice masterpiece.

Founder of Vue Privée and respected photographer Olivier Henry loves two things: Photography and art, but it took him longer than he would have liked to fully embrace his passions despite having studied in the arts and fashion capital, Paris; “I wish I had been a collector at a much younger age but when you’re in your 20s and a student in Paris, all you can afford are the posters and postcards you put on your walls,” he recalls.

That was about the time he realized he needed to come up with a way to make art affordable. “In a very elitist art world, the works usually go for thousands of dollars. What I decided to do was create an art business that would approach artists to create unique and exclusive works for my consumers. That’s what Vue Privée does. We sell these artworks in editions of 100 each at accessible prices,” he explains.
Henry’s dedication towards making quality art accessible to the masses doesn’t stop there. “Democratizing art means making it accessible not only price wise, but also in terms of location. Which explains why Vue Privée is located in the heart of town. Someone can just come in and buy an original piece for as low as $80 or leave with a more unique piece at $8,000. But at least 80 percent of the works we have are below $500,” he says.

One of the more interesting works being exhibited in this promising new space is “Visible Ephemereal. Invisible Eternal” by Yann Chatelin and Alexandre Dupeyron, which is a translation of light graffiti on landscapes. “This duo is a typical example of what we are about. I met these two artists and immediately fell in love with their body of work,” says Henry.

Get your fix of affordable artworks at Vue Privée, 20 Cairnhill Rd., 6738-7225, www.vueprivee.com. Until Dec 31, Vue Privée are offering 10% off all prints and merchandise and free delivery in Singapore.

My family is a bit diverse. I won’t say too much but I grew up in an environment that was a bit like the School of Hard Knocks. My mom’s side is made up of SPGs with families in almost every continent.

Primary school was interesting; my family was poorest then. My mom was very thrifty and would always buy clothes I could grow into. I was mocked when I was in Primary One because my school pinafore reached the ground. By the time I was in Primary Six, everyone was still making fun of me because my pinafore was too short.

I learnt how to use a penknife to cut my Bata shoes to create friction so I could use them for a longer time. Being thrifty made me more creative.

It’s always been in me to want to make money but the truth is, I was really comfortable in Ogilvy where I used to work. I had a really good job and I had a lot of respect for my fellow peers who were really working with the best mindset you can find in the industry. I was really comfortable and wasn’t at that age where I liked unpredictability.

I tendered my resignation two weeks after my dad was diagnosed with brain tumor. I watched him lose his motoring skills. I drove him to the hospital thinking it was a stroke. It was quite an experience: The doctor was going to send him back home, saying that it was normal for old men to lose their motoring skills; but I told him, “Are you telling me that I have more common sense watching House than you who’s been in medical school for five years?” I insisted on a scan and true enough, it was brain tumor.

Goodstuph was two weeks old when a representative from Nike came forward and said, “Come, Pat. I will give you business.” I didn’t even pitch anything. The lady had not worked with me before but she knew I was hungry.

It’s amazing how things come together. It helps that I’m a bit shameless too. I think it’s really important when you want to start a business to know what you’re good at and what you’re not.

You can start a business in two ways: You can either take a bank loan or receive government funding. But I didn’t want any of that. I wanted to stay in the black. I didn’t want to be in the red.

My biggest pet peeve is people who put a price to their integrity. Starting my own business allows me to see everything upfront, including the dirty side of things.
I’m the sort of friend who would bail on you for a movie but would be the first to be there if you’re about to jump off a building. The problem is there are more people who want to watch a movie then jump off buildings.

As a woman, you have to work harder to prove yourself. It’s also important not to overcompensate. To work in a fast paced environment, you need to be emotionally detached. Time management is key; something’s got to give. If your career matters most to you, you can’t complain about not having a social life. You have to up your game.

Well-loved all across the region for her dulcet voice and impeccable stage presence, Malaysian superstar Dato’ Sheila Majid is the voice behind chart-topping R&B classics such as “Legenda” and “Sinaran,” which appeal to both urban music lovers and heartland aunties alike. 

What was most trying point of your career? Oh, it was really challenging at first to get people to accept my music. People used to tell me that my music wouldn’t sell but with perseverance, I managed to maintain a reasonable fan base.

Any extraordinarily happy moments? There are so many; I can’t possibly recall all of them! But I’m so happy I have reached the 25-year mark. It’s been a real privilege to touch people’s emotions like this. All my stadium concerts have been pretty amazing. The most memorable experience I’ve had is quite possibly the year when I won Best Song of the Year at Malaysia’s Anugerah Industri Muzik for the song “Ku Mohon.” It was incredibly special to me because it was my first shot at songwriting.

You’ve released a truly impressive seven studio albums in your career. Name some of the songs that have truly stuck. All my albums are special. Everyone still listens to them. I know this for a fact because I still get requests to rerelease my albums. That is why I’ve just put out a box set of all my recordings; it’s for all my fans.

It’s been 25 years but we must say, you don’t look like you’ve aged a day. What’s your secret? Let me put it this way: I love what I do, I’m amused by my audience and I’m passionate about my music. There’s no secret to it; I’m just happy. I also exercise regularly because it’s really part of my job. I work on my endurance and stamina. That keeps me fit.

Pentas Sheila Majid—A Milestone Year 25th Anniversary Tour concert is on Dec 18, 8pm at the Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $30-90 from Sistic.

December’s great (what’s not to love about festive feasts, week-long partying and year-end sales) except for one thing—the rain. There’s only so much cuddling you can do (especially when we don’t have fireplaces in Singapore) so why not check out some of the alternative sports action on offer. We round up the best places to work up a sweat without getting drenched.

Combat Skirmish Singapore
What it is: Launched in 2005, combat skirmish is a cross between indoor laser tag and paintball. You’ll be scurrying about dodging laser “bullets” and won’t feel any pain when someone shoots you “dead”—a bit like going to war in the cyber universe. Because the game uses mostly infra-red technology, you can opt to play it elsewhere, like in the deep cresses of the jungle or even in your own backyard. We recommend making an office team-building effort out of it. There are attractive corporate packages available and it’ll be a good excuse to gun down your colleagues.
Great for: Fans of wireless LAN games like Counterstrike or Battlefield 1942.
How much: $30-33 per person for two missions (approximately one hour.
Where: Hong Leong Shopping Centre, 164 West Coast Way, 6779-1031. These guys are mobile so give them a call before you head over.

iFly Singapore
What it is: Set to open this month, iFly is the world’s largest skydiving simulator, offering professional training and on-site guidance from certified instructors, free rental of actual skydiving gear and a bona fide flying experience at one-tenth of the cost of a tandem jump. It also overlooks the vast South China Sea, making the experience seem even more authentic. We especially like that this 25 million dollar venue even facilitates four or eight-way formation skydiving—go team!
Great for: Its professional, state-of-the-art technology ensures a high degree of safety and accommodates all types of fliers, from first-timers to military personnel. Basically, if you yearn to feel like a superhero, you should give this one a shot.
How much: Price not yet available. Use the online enquiry form to ask about packages.
Where: 43 Siloso Beach Walk, www.iflysingapore.com.

Max Swing Indoor Golf
What it is: Don’t let the façade fool you. Beyond the small reception is a virtual world of professional golf. It houses the PGA Golf Simulator, the only one of its kind in Singapore, which is known for its unmatched accuracy, life-like 3D graphics and amazing ability to accurately replicate ball flight. In-house PGA coaches Alan Murray and Garry Overy are also on-hand to help you perfect your swing.
Great for: Great for when you want to hit the golf course but can’t risk being struck by lightning.
How much: $40-80 for a one-hour session.
Where: #04-29/30 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6509-0200,
www.maxswing.com.sg.

Snow City
What it is: The rain might take the heat out of the air but nothing beats the winter cold! Snow City consists of an exhilarating 60-meter, three-storey high slope, hot chocolate and ice bars, a polar bear gallery as well as a real log cabin. At the first indoor snow facility in Singapore, you can go skiing, snow tubing, sledding and snowboarding—awesome exercise for those for whom a trip to Hokkaido is a bit of a stretch.
Great for: Anyone who’s been dying for a bit of snow at Christmas.
How much: $16-27 for one to two hours of piste time, including the use of boots and jackets.
Where: 21 Jurong Town Hall Rd., 6560-2306, www.snowcity.com.sg.

Flight Experience
What it is: This state-of-the-art flight simulator modeled after the Boeing 737 enables you to slip into pilot mode, from the moment you plant your feet on the rudder pedals right to your descent into whichever landmark you choose to fly to (they’ve even got the London Bridge and the Sydney Opera House!). Of course, you’ll get a briefing from a flying instructor in advance but you’ll need to maintain a cool head when you’re airborne because you’ll be managing fully-functioning avionics and computers in a replica cockpit with 180-degree wraparound visuals—making this quite possibly the coolest wet weather activity we’ve discovered so far.
Great for: Aviation enthusiasts and even genuine top gun pilots in training—it’s that pro.
How much: Up to $395 for a 90-minute flight. Check out their online booking system, which only adds to the sense that this is a real flight you’re signing up for.
Where: #02-06 Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Ave., 6339-2737.

Visit these bowling alleys for a more laidback vibe:

1. Cathay Bowl #02-01 Eastside, 1018 East Coast Parkway, 6444-0118.
2. Classic Bowl #06-01, 100 Jalan Sultan, 6291-6508.
3. Orchid Bowl at E! Hub #01-111 Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, 6583-1622.
4. Plaza Bowl #08-11 Textile Centre, 200 Jalan Sultan, 6292-4821.
5. Silver Bowl #07-01 Katong Shopping Centre, 6345-4738.
6. Superbowl Marina South 15 Marina Grove, 6221-1010.

There are precisely four weeks left of 2010. To start the new year looking and feeling great, you’re going to need to start now. Our twenty eight day regime will rid you of those bags under your eyes, that flab under your arms and the accumulated malaise of the last 11 months. The countdown begins now!

Body Beautiful
This first week is all about training your body so that when obstacles get thrown your way, you won’t be surprised (well, at least not physically).

1. Spring clean your system
If you want to start the year on a clean slate, you’ll need to first rid your body of impurities from the inside out. Try the colon hydrotherapy treatment at Clinic 10 (#09-31 Novena Medical Center, 10 Sinaran Dr., 6336-0504, clinic10.webs.com), which employs enemas to inject water (often mixed with herbal nutrients) into the colon to rinse the body of nasty stuff like toxins, fecal debris and inorganic matter. If having water pumped into your rectum isn’t for you, go the non-invasive route and visit Fabulous Group’s Quantum Detox Foot Spa (#05-03 Orchard Cineleisure, 8 Grange Rd., 6735-5335) which uses water rich in ionized minerals to draw toxins out of the body.

2. Quit smoking
If you’re going to be puffing on “cancer sticks” your whole life, you’re never going to be fully rid of poisons, no matter how many times you stick a tube up your ass. According to the Health Promotion Board, cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals including toxic substances that are often found in stuff like rat poison, insecticide and floor cleaners. Do yourself a favor and give the National Quitline Center (1800-438-2000) a call, or make an appointment with the pharmacist at some of Singapore’s listed quit centers like Guardian Health & Beauty (#B1-18/19 Great World City, Patient Care Center, 6235-4037).

3. Work it out
There’s no other way to say it—if you want a hot bod, you’ve got to work for it. Hit one of the city’s newest gym establishments Pure Fitness (3/F Knightsbridge, 270 Orchard Rd., 6100-3813) and work on all your vital areas in their strength training, boxing and free weights zones. If you suffer from a short attention span (or if you just want to be entertained 24/7), get on their cardio equipment equipped with DVD entertainment systems, cable television and personal screens.

4. Practice hot yoga
Yoga on its own is awesome but hot yoga is something else. Not only do the intricate 26 or so poses help promote flexibility and muscle tone, hot yoga also results in excessive sweating, making it a useful means of detoxification. Don’t believe us? Try a class ($43) at Bikram Yoga City Hall (#02-14 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6339-6639) or go all out with a one-week unlimited pass for beginners ($100).

5. Learn the art of self defense
Firm shoulders, a slim waist and toned legs are all very nice but we highly recommend you train them up for street fighting just in case (you never know with all the slashing cases happening these days). Mixed martial arts has been deemed the most effective in a real life, no-rules situation so go get some expert guidance from the experienced trainers at Evolve MMA (#01-01 Far East Square, 26 China St., 6536-4525), Asia’s biggest martial arts training academy.

6. Jive your way to fitness
We all know dancing can improve stamina and tone up your arms and legs, but to impress at your office Christmas party you’re going to have to bust out all the right moves. If street dancing is your thing, look no further than Recognize! Studios (#05-31 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6509-0650) which provides hip hop, B-boying, popping and locking classes ($15-25 per class). If you’re into old classics, consult the lesson schedule at Jitterbugs Swingapore (#B1-08 The Cathay, 2 Handy Rd., 6887-0383) for Lindy Hop, ballet, merengue and four different types of jazz classes.

7. Wax the surface
You know what they say about big projects—it’s all about the presentation. The award-winning Pink Parlour (#03-19/20/22 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6100-8266) provides waxing services for your back, arms, legs, chest, bikini area and even the dodgier spots like your butt and upper lip (approximately $12-68 per session). Polish it off with a detoxifying Dead Sea salt scrub ($48 for 20 minutes) or their Smoothie Back Dermabrasion treatment ($88 for 45 minutes) and you’re all set for the next phase of your makeover.

8. Repair and Relax
If you’ve been following our advice in week one closely, you should be feeling slightly better already. Otherwise, well, there’s still time. This week, we concentrate on curing you from the inside out.

9. Opt for traditional healing methods
If you’re aching from all that running on the treadmill or, more likely, from yet another party the night before, chances are you’ll want to run out to the local pharmacy for your usual remedies. Why not try some traditional healing methods instead? They’re mostly organic (minimal or zero use of chemicals) and many claim they work. Acupuncture has been known to relieve aches and pains and cure illnesses such as asthma, heartburn and even infertility. To learn more and book yourself a session ($35-40), call Fong Acupuncture and Medical Hall (#01-270, Blk. 479 Jurong West St. 41, 6563-8619).

10. Vibrate it off
We know that you might not have found the time (or motivation) to hit the gym last week. Well, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee as you now have only three weeks left to lose those pounds. So, unless you plan on spending every waking hour at the gym, here’s a little quick fix secret: The Power Plate, a vibrating platform from the US that recreates the effects of an hour-long workout but only takes 15 minutes. Go for the complimentary trial session at Power Work Studio (Frankel Estate, 695C East Coast Rd., 6445-0156).

11. Overhaul your face
We’re not usually advocates of plastic surgery but we see nothing wrong in making little tweaks here and there if it boasts your confidence. Check out the impressive range of treatments and services at The Sloane Clinic (#03-18 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8108), including the Skinsaver programs designed to target and diminish facial skin problems effectively and in time for your next big event (like a Christmas high school reunion for example). Worried about jiggly jowls? Try their SuperLift Program ($3,400 for six sessions) or the Tone & Lift Program ($3,000 for six sessions).

12. Get a full body rubdown
We can’t stress enough the awesome benefits of a luxurious, long massage. A good masseuse really can pummel away persistent aches, warm your muscles, rejuvenate your skin and ease you into the kind of fitful sleep only babies seem to enjoy these days. Reward yourself with a session at one of the city’s leading massage destinations Estheva Day Spa (#03-25 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-3900). Try their award-winning Aviva and Chakra Stone massages ($185 before GST).

13. Suck out excess fat
We don’t mean to be crude but if you’ve been running (cycling, punching or stretching) like hell but your love handles are still happily swinging away then it’s time for some emergency action. If liposuction makes you queasy, go for the second best option: CoolSculpting by Zeltiq. This quick slimming procedure is fast gaining popularity with the discerning crowd, having been featured on TV programs like The Doctor and The Rachael Ray Show. The whole process involves sucking your targeted area using a vacuum and freezing your fat into oblivion. It lasts an hour and costs $1,500 per treatment. Call Medical Aesthetics (#02-12 Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Rd., 6462-2559).

14. Get a full body checkup
When we say full body checkup, we don’t mean a few minutes at the doctor’s getting your stomach prodded. We mean a complete assessment to make sure that all systems are go. Homegrown integrated wellness center Verita Advanced Wellness (308 Tanglin Road, Phoenix Park, 6737-2377) conducts all sorts of assessments, including the Esteck, which uses a non-invasive electrical scan to suss out information on your overall functional health. It takes no longer than six minutes and results are immediately available on screen in 3D.

15. Reverse psychology
While you’re busy repairing your physical health, don’t forget to do something about your mind. It won’t do to go mental just as you’re about to ring in the New Year (or at all, come to think of it). As the old adage goes, “Laughter is the best medicine” so treat yourself to a night of loud guffawing at one of The Comedy Pimp’s (www.thecomedypimpsingapore.com) standup gigs held every month or try something different altogether with Laughter Yoga (www.laughteryoga.org or call Zareena Bana of the Joo Chiat East Coast Laughter Yoga Club at 9786-7451).

the glam slam
Fitness fixes take time, but there are some simple shortcuts to wowing the crowds.

16. Trim it down
The whole point of this exercise is to fashion a whole new you and one way to do that is by getting your hair cut. And we don’t mean just any haircut; we mean something that really turns heads and gets people talking. One of the newest salons to hit the local hair circuit is Essensuals Hairdressing (#B1-20 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6884-4218), which translates catwalk trends into hot wearable styles for real people.

17. Revise your skincare regime
At some point, all of us are going to grow out of our Garnier face wash—be sure to know when this happens or you’ll risk breaking out the morning after a mad countdown party. We asked celebrity hair and makeup expert Andrea Claire for some tips on revisiting your skincare regime:

1. Skin can break out every 28 days. Don’t mistake hormonal breakouts for the need to change your regimen.
2. Look for skincare for your skin type. If you’re not sure if you have oily skin, take a few pieces of tissue and press them against your face in the morning. See if they stick.
3. Use the complete set of skincare from one product line as they are developed to complement each other.
4. If you react to products easily, look for sample sizes. Fourteen days is a good amount of time to try a new product and see if it works for you.
5. Some skin conditions look worse before getting better so consult the manufacturer or a dermatologist for signs the product is or isn’t working.

18. Tame your brows
Nice eyebrows can really pull your look together so be sure to get yours done only by the experts at Browhaus (#01-004 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd., 6333-5875). We love their Brow Resurrection ($900-1200) treatment, a semi-permanent procedure that enhances half-assed eyebrows, making them look fuller and more balanced. If you’re looking at fixing a little more than just your eyebrows, you can also try the Eye Define (semi-permanent eye liner, anyone?) or Lash in Bloom (quickie extensions that go on forever).

19. Get youthful skin
Most beauty products offer anti-ageing solutions over a minimum usage period. People who want more immediate effects usually turn to cosmetic surgery. If you can’t afford to go under the knife, check into Cristalle de Paris (56 Temple St., 6221-4288) for its non-invasive plant-based treatments like the Lemieon 8° Enhanced In-Classic (price upon application). Besides being one of the most relaxing facials we’ve ever tried, it also lifts and tightens sagging skin to make you look just that little bit younger in time for the New Year.

20. Wear a Hollywood Smile
Never been kissed? Maybe it’s time you pull in some reinforcements from the good people of Smile Inc Dental Surgeons (#02-124/126 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd., 6733-1802), who can lift and shape your smile, whiten teeth and apply laminates—whatever works so you can get that winning grin (and maybe score a smooch or two when the clock strikes midnight). There are also general dentistry services here in case you need to extract that annoying wisdom tooth (ouch!).

21. Dress up your digits
Don’t think you can get away with neglecting your nails because they hardly get noticed—they do. A chipped toenail will make a pair of the latest Prada strappy sandals look shoddy and nobody wants to shake a hand connected to chewed-to-death nails. Get them done at Vedure Nail Spa (MediBoutique, #04-06 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Rd., 6732-6448). If you’re feeling adventurous, try their Minx Nails manicure ($80) and pedicure ($120), which involve adhesive nail stick-ons with quirky (and sometimes downright bizarre) designs.

22. Get a makeover
We personally think that the best way to get ready for a party is to hire someone to worry about all the beauty aspects for you. Flashy makeover spot The Studio (22 Amoy St., 6221-3717) is Sweden’s largest makeover studio company, with expansive professional makeup and photography services to psych you up for your big night out. Their “Model for a Day” package ($88) consists of makeup and hairstyling for up to four people, and you are entitled to one 4R print and two soft copies of your favorite pictures.

in the habit
With hair and makeup sorted, and perhaps even a few pounds lost already, it’s time to make sure you establish some good habits to see you through 2011.

23. Watch what you eat
You can kill two birds with one stone at Updog Yoga Studio (#02-05A Playground @ Big Splash, 902 East Coast Parkway, 6440-0282) which is especially great for all you busy people out there. After your hot Hatha yoga class, enquire about the detox and nutrition programs by co-owner and renowned chef Emmanuel Stroobant, who will customize healthy meals to go with your exercise regimen. Craving “junk”? Hit new fast food establishment VeganBurg (44 Jalan Eunos, 68440-6868) for their delicious and healthy burger menu, or better yet …

24… take a healthy cooking class!
An Apple a Day (#08-00 Tan Ea Kiam Bldg., 15 Philip St., 9154-9410, anappleaday.com.sg) combines gourmet cooking with natural therapies, conducting cooking classes (starts at $550) and even personal chef services ($650 per four to six hour session with 20 individual meal servings) in the comfort of your own home.

25. Hire a personal trainer
Here at I-S, we understand more than anything how hard it is to break bad habits and commit to new ones. To help you effect real change, we recommend that you hire a personal trainer or nutritionist (or both if you can find/afford them) to help you plan your exercise regime and diet plan for next year. Most gyms provide personal training services (for a fee of course) but if you want us to drop names, we say fitness instructor and nutritionist Ladislav Demko from Willow Stream Day Spa (8/F Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Rd., 6339-7777) is a great bet. We also recommend Pro-Fit (#02-01/02 Phoenix Park, 316 Tanglin Rd., 6887-3574) for access to a pool of professional trainers whose attention is solely focused on you (they don’t even believe in buddy training).

26. Do an inventory of your grooming essentials
We know you hoarders—you will never throw a perfectly good (or looks like it’s good) tube of cream even if it’s been there since before you hit puberty. But there are some products that could make you sick if used after their use-by date. For more information on when you should start throwing out your beauty cabinet essentials plus tips on how to make them last longer, log on to http://is.asia-city.com/health/article/shelf.

27. Lend a hand
No, we’re not joking. One of the best ways to feel good is to do good. We believe in karma and how continuously giving will be repaid to you ten-fold. Start at the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Center (#04-88 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen St., 6550-9595), where you can register with their SG Cares team of volunteers to entertain and contribute to less fortunate children and the elderly. There’s an online calendar on their website (www.sgcares.org) so you can plan ahead—no excuses.

28. Get a life…coach
Want to relight your passion and translate it into success? Get acquainted with consultant Christina Teo of My Journey of Passion (www.myjourneyofpassion.com), a company that trains individuals in personal branding and setting career goals as well as leadership and negotiation skills. Workshops are usually conducted on a one-to-one basis and you can register on her website.

29. Believe in yourself!
Repeat after us: “I look fab!”