How to

Alison Chan at Dear Harley Bakery. From Hello Kitty to Rolex watches, her custom cakes are so realistic you’ll do a double take. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

From Hello Kitty to Rolex watches, Hong Kong baker’s custom cakes

Hong Kong baker Alison Chan crafts hyper-realistic ‘illusion cakes’ that resemble everyday objects – and now she’s now getting recognition with her first exhibition, at the city’s K11 Musea mall.

28 Jul 2022 - 5:35AM
Baggage piles up at Roissy Airport outside Paris. Photo: EPA-EFE

How to pack light and avoid lost or delayed baggage this summer

Post-pandemic staff shortages and a busier-than-expected summer season are causing chaos at airports. We asked experts for some tips to help you pack light and fit everything for your holiday in a carry-on bag.

23 Jul 2022 - 5:15PM
The floral designs on Siamy Tan’s jelly cakes are so lifelike people ask her if the flowers are real. Photo: Jonathan Wong

‘It’s very therapeutic’: Malaysian baker on creating her floral jelly cakes

In a layer of translucent jelly on a cake base, Siamy Tan sculpts stunning flower designs. When people in Hong Kong saw the cakes on social media they asked for lessons. Now she’s learning more skills to pass on.

12 Sep 2023 - 3:02PM
Mindfulness isn't always easy

How to be mindful when you’re not in the mood

Practise mindfulness when you’re angry; you’ll be happier in the long run.

7 Feb 2021 - 12:16PM
Redundancy can feel like the end of the world – but truly, it can be a new beginning

How to bounce back if you’re laid off from your job amid Covid-19

Redundancy can be an opportunity for education, rebranding, and exploring another industry. Once the shock is over, use the time to turn the loss into an opportunity.

13 May 2020 - 8:38AM
Self-isolating can be draining, but there are ways to protect your mental health

6 tips for your mental health during self-isolation

The coronavirus has us self-quarantining, social distancing, and generally spending time alone. Here’s some advice to help you manage your emotional well-being.

28 Mar 2020 - 9:00AM
Winter Squash and Chicken Hot Pot

Keep calm and cook chicken soup while you self-isolate

This Japanese recipe is uber comforting, especially in these uncertain times

27 Mar 2020 - 8:00AM
Odds are your flight won't be this empty, so take these precautions to say safe.

How to stay healthy on flights amid the coronavirus epidemic

As Covid-19 continues to spread, here are 12 expert tips from medical professionals to help you avoid catching an infectious disease

7 Mar 2020 - 6:58PM
You can infect yourself with adenoviruses by touching infected surfaces and then rubbing your eyes.

Do I have conjunctivis?

You could have a highly contagious viral infection – here's when you need to call in sick.

20 Feb 2020 - 6:00PM
You can only make one first impression.

When dating and job hunting rules unite

Whether you are looking for a life partner or a new professional path, there are rules that apply in both areas that make you more likely to achieve your goal

20 Feb 2020 - 6:00AM
Break free from the shackles of corporates and lead a less capitalist existence.

How to live a less capitalist life

6 tips to help you free yourself from some of the trappings of a system that puts economic growth above everything else, including the environment

18 Feb 2020 - 8:00PM
Overspending is a genuine problem. But you can get over it.

7 signs you’re spending way too much money

If you’re living on a budget that costs more than you can afford, it’s time to get back on track

30 Jan 2020 - 8:00AM
gross

10 gross habits that spread a virus

As the Wuhan coronavirus spreads far beyond China's borders to countries around the world, here are common tendencies to avoid.

5 Feb 2020 - 1:27PM
People make a lot of decisions about you in the first seconds - so make them count!

How to sell yourself: the art of the elevator pitch

The first 30 seconds after you meet someone can make or break your chances of convincing them to like you and want to know more

24 Jan 2020 - 8:00PM
6 tips to help you get organised before it's time for spring cleaning

6 tips to help you get organised before it's time for spring cleaning

Tidying up isn't fun, but it can ease anxiety and make life easier. Here's some expert advice to motivate you to clear up.

23 Jan 2020 - 8:00AM
Aeroplanes are famously dirty, but there are tricks to avoid the germs

10 tips to avoid getting sick when travelling on a flight

22 Jan 2020 - 8:15PM
baked potato and sour creamrusset

How to make the perfect baked potato

Let’s settle this argument for once and for all, and banish waxy spuds to the salad area where they belong

22 Jan 2020 - 8:00AM
How to navigate the gender pronoun minefield

How to ask someone’s pronouns without outing or offending them

The cisgender community needs to get used to owning their pronouns so that non-binary and non-cis individuals don’t feel singled out or pressured to explain why they don't go by he/she.

14 Jan 2020 - 7:00PM
The perfect email subject line can get you noticed by potential employers.

Find the job of your dreams in 2020: learning how to write the perfect subject line is the first step

The subject line communicates who you are and what you want, as well as showing off your qualifications and helping you stand out

11 Jan 2020 - 9:00AM
Help yourself when it comes to your money - these five tips will protect your financial future, but you need to do them!

5 financial planning tips from the professionals

We realise retirement is almost literally a lifetime away, but if you’re earning any money at all, it’s never too early to take some expert advice and start sensible saving for the future

9 Jan 2020 - 8:00AM