https://www.scmp.com/rss/502159/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Baking might be a science, but creating custom cakes is very much an art. In Hong Kong, Alison Chan, owner of Dear Harley Bakery, has become known as the master of illusionary confections. Her skill for turning sponge cake and fondant into exact replicas of any object or item is now so celebrated, the popular Hong Kong mall K11 Musea is presenting an exhibition of her “illusion cakes” as part of its Art Karnival that starts on July 29. Not bad for a self-taught baker who used to be a news... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3186601/hello-kitty-rolex-watches-custom-cakes-hong-kong-baker-are-so?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3186601/hello-kitty-rolex-watches-custom-cakes-hong-kong-baker-are-so?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Jul 2022 23:15:20 +0000 I always wanted to be part of the hand-baggage-only crowd – the people who smugly stepped off the plane and into a taxi and were sipping a cocktail while I was still struggling with my oversized suitcase. But having to decant my moisturiser and only bring one book never made it feel worthwhile. Until now, that is. Wherever you are in Europe or the United States, airport chaos reigns. In Amsterdam, people are waiting six hours for their baggage; in Nice in the South of France, bags are being lost... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3186191/how-pack-light-and-avoid-lost-or-delayed-baggage-summer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3186191/how-pack-light-and-avoid-lost-or-delayed-baggage-summer?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Jul 2022 09:15:15 +0000 A lot of Instagram bakers are easily impressed when they make a pretty cupcake, but Siamy Tan is taking dessert design to another level. Malaysian-born Tan is personally reviving the lost art of decorating jelly cakes – cakes where coloured agents are injected into a clear layer of jelly and sculpted into an edible design. From colourful flowers and petals to koi fish, the possibilities in her three-dimensional canvas of translucent gelatin are endless. According to her, the trick is to master... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3185899/jelly-cake-enthusiast-creates-incredibly-lifelike-flower?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3185899/jelly-cake-enthusiast-creates-incredibly-lifelike-flower?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Jul 2022 04:45:17 +0000 With food and energy prices soaring in Asia, what can households and consumers do to deal with inflation? Whether it be higher grocery bills, utilities or petrol costs, most of us have been forking out extra in recent months. Across the region – from China to Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Singapore and South Korea – inflation readings have spiked. Even the cost of household staples such as bread, eggs and meat have risen. Cheap, cheerful, coveted: why Japan is falling back in love with dollar... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3176023/save-money-house-brands-side-gigs-budget-apps-inflation-hits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3176023/save-money-house-brands-side-gigs-budget-apps-inflation-hits?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 May 2022 03:30:23 +0000 Very little in life feels quite as fantastic as replying to someone who’s gone ahead and done you wrong with a heartfelt “go eff your actual self”. In that moment, telling someone off and getting something off your chest makes you feel so much better. But an hour or so later? Not so much. See, what happens after you open your mouth or let loose your typing fingers to unleash the proverbial fury is that you’re left feeling like an unhinged bully who can’t blend in in polite society. And once your... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3120755/how-be-mindful-when-you-really-are-not-mood?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3120755/how-be-mindful-when-you-really-are-not-mood?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Feb 2021 04:00:26 +0000 Jen Glantz is a bestselling author and the founder and CEO of Bridesmaid for Hire, a boutique services company that offers professional bridesmaids who “take care of all your wedding dirty work”. Before becoming an entrepreneur and running her own business, she was laid off from her job as a copywriter at a tech startup, and experienced first-hand how terrifying being laid off can be. But instead of giving into panic, she turned the loss into an opportunity, by organising her thoughts, emotions,... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3084055/6-steps-take-if-you-get-laid-your-job-because-covid-19?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3084055/6-steps-take-if-you-get-laid-your-job-because-covid-19?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2020 00:00:17 +0000 If you want to have a good night’s sleep, you need a cool head. While sleeping in the fridge is not the most environmentally thing to do, who are we to judge? Seriously, though, you might want to make sure your bedroom is cool. Experts say the ideal temperature is between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, which is well below the usual “room temperature”, between 20 to 23 C. What is insomnia and what you can do about it In addition, keeping a cool head can help you if you have trouble falling asleep,... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3074802/how-fall-asleep-faster?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3074802/how-fall-asleep-faster?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2020 00:00:12 +0000 People all over the world are in pretty much the same boat: self-isolation. You’ve got your food stocked up, studies on hold, maybe you’re working from home. You’re ready to hunker down with the roomies or solo. Two weeks – that’s nothing, right? But the truth is, this is a pandemic. Two weeks, on repeat, may be your new normal. To survive and thrive through it, you’ll need to feed your mental health, too. As you enter times of self-isolation, taking care of your mental health is more important... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3077049/6-tips-your-mental-health-during-self-isolation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3077049/6-tips-your-mental-health-during-self-isolation?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2020 01:00:19 +0000 We’re not making any claims that this will have any effect on your immune system or magically protect you against the coronavirus. We are saying, though, that cooking can be calming and restorative, and chicken soup is soothing, if nothing more. An explanation of the recipe name. Nabe is the Japanese word for a stew cooked in a donabe, or ceramic pot; tori is chicken; tori nabe is hotpot-style chicken soup, and it is delicious! Kabocha squash and chicken hot pot (tori nabe) Ingredients 450g... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3076759/keep-calm-and-cook-chicken-soup-while-you-self-isolate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3076759/keep-calm-and-cook-chicken-soup-while-you-self-isolate?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2020 00:00:09 +0000 Ebay can be pretty overwhelming for a browsing shopper, let alone for one who is trying to make a specific purchase. Click into the site, and you’re instantly bombarded by several offers of the day and more, leaving you with an overwhelming variety of options. In the midst of this jam-packed marketplace, how can you become a visible and successful seller? Here are four tips to help you find a buyer and convince them your items are worth the price 1. Make it easy for the buyer First and foremost,... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/money/article/3074089/how-get-better-price-what-youre-selling-ebay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/money/article/3074089/how-get-better-price-what-youre-selling-ebay?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2020 00:00:08 +0000 If you’re a new driver, take note. With the sun on the horizon in winter you need to be prepared. Driving off into the sunset may sound like the rosy end of a Hollywood film, but it’s actually a pain. It can be near impossible to see properly when driving towards a low sun, and pulling down a visor can only do so much. 11 travel hacks to keep you organised and stress-free on vacation Even if you’re only travelling at 30 km/h, you cover about two car lengths in a second when the sun dazzles you,... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3043517/how-drive-safely-sun-your-eyes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3043517/how-drive-safely-sun-your-eyes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2020 00:00:11 +0000 You might have a heard a lot of talk about resilience. It’s defined as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or disappointments. But more than that, it’s about your ability to adapt to challenging situations, while maintaining your emotional well-being. While research has shown that some people are naturally resilient, a little bit of practice can help you become mentally stronger. Claire Ong, co-founder of The Positive Movement in Singapore, a boutique academy that focuses on... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3029712/learn-how-build-resilience-5-easy-steps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3029712/learn-how-build-resilience-5-easy-steps?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2020 00:00:12 +0000 Mindfulness is a buzzword around so much of our lives. We can end up paying a small fortune for someone to help us be mindful, and still be none the wiser. Cory Muscara hopes to make mindfulness more accessible and comprehensible. He is a mindfulness teacher, a frequent guest of the Ten Percent Happier podcast with Dan Harris, and a professor whose online meditations have been heard more than 10 million times in more than 50 countries. In his early 20s, he spent time ordained as a Buddhist monk... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044863/control-your-thoughts-better-tips-mindfulness-guru-cory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044863/control-your-thoughts-better-tips-mindfulness-guru-cory?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:00:06 +0000 A friend didn’t text you back. You’re worried you’re spending too much. You realise your parents might get sick some day. A feeling of dread washes over you that you might find hard to explain to others. You’re not alone, though. Anxiety is far more common than you might think (in the US alone, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately 20 per cent of Americans are affected by anxiety).  And although anxiety comes in many forms (from incessant worrying to more severe... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3033074/how-calm-anxiety-or-worry-3-calming-questions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3033074/how-calm-anxiety-or-worry-3-calming-questions?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2020 00:00:13 +0000 A lot of people currently won’t or can’t travel. With the spread of the novel coronavirus, countries, companies and airlines are limiting, or even banning certain trips. It makes sense: the situation is complicated by the fact that travellers can show no or few symptoms, board a plane, and be almost anywhere in the world within hours. It’s not only Covid-19 that can spread this way. Passengers with the common cold or flu can board a plane and spread their illness to other passengers. But whether... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3074021/how-reduce-chances-getting-sick-plane-age-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3074021/how-reduce-chances-getting-sick-plane-age-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2020 01:00:19 +0000 Eye infections are quite common in childhood. But now that you’re an adult, what do you do if your eye is red, watery and itchy. It could be classic case of conjunctivitis, or “pink eye”. But, not necessarily. The symptoms may be caused by epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, a highly contagious adenoviral infection of the eye. “Only a medical specialist can tell whether you have conjunctivitis or epidemic keratoconjunctivitis,” says Dr Claus Cursiefen, director of the Department of Ophthalmology at... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3051100/how-tell-if-your-bloodshot-eye-conjunctivitis-or-something?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3051100/how-tell-if-your-bloodshot-eye-conjunctivitis-or-something?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Feb 2020 10:00:14 +0000 You may not think it, but there are a lot of similarities between looking for a job and looking for a significant other. Sure, there are differences – probably best not to end an interview with a hug, for example, and definitely don’t go in for a kiss – but the similarities are worth noting. If you want advice on howto score a second date or interview, here are five top tips.  1 First impressions are everything Whether we like it or not, we only have one chance to make a first impression, and... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3051425/dating-and-job-hunting-success-both-relies-same?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3051425/dating-and-job-hunting-success-both-relies-same?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Feb 2020 22:00:20 +0000 Capitalism: it’s the economic structure that governs our society. When we think of it, vague words like “credit” and “free market” probably come to mind, as well as a few more sinister ones like “greed” and “exploitation”. It’s not all bad; after all, credit is what allows us to invest in new medicine and technology. But at its core, capitalism is a system that puts the economic growth above everything else, including – as we’ve seen all too vividly in recent years – the future of our planet.... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/money/article/3050936/how-live-less-capitalist-life?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/money/article/3050936/how-live-less-capitalist-life?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Feb 2020 12:00:13 +0000 Anyone who’s gone through a bad breakup will be very familiar with this statement: “I just need closure.” As you spend your first newly single days sobbing and bouncing back and forth between “I can do better” and “I’ll be alone forever”, closure seems like the best way to make the pain stop — stat. But it’s an elusive concept — and it may not even be a real thing. “Closure doesn’t exist,” says Nancy Berns, PhD, sociologist and author of Closure: The Rush to End Grief and What It Costs Us. “It’s... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3033067/5-ways-get-closure-after-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3033067/5-ways-get-closure-after-break?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Feb 2020 10:00:14 +0000 The rush you feel when you receive your first paycheque is pretty great. Independence, power, freedom, all because you’ve earned wages, all on your ownsome. But it can also be very easy to fall into bad spending habits once you’re solely in charge of your finances. If you want to end up wealthy one day, it’s crucial to keep your spending in check. Many millionaires say the secret to building wealth is living below your means. But it’s not always easy to manage if you have a below-average income,... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/money/article/3048106/7-signs-youre-spending-way-too-much-money?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/money/article/3048106/7-signs-youre-spending-way-too-much-money?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jan 2020 00:00:14 +0000 As fun as they are, social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram can open you up to all manner of online dangers. While we can use the internet’s power and openness to our benefit, these qualities also mean it can be used against us. Here are five top tips for safe social networking. Check your privacy settings We often overlook this very important step when we set up social media accounts. The default for many platforms is to make your account as open to the public as possible. This is... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3029639/5-tips-help-you-stay-safe-social-media?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3029639/5-tips-help-you-stay-safe-social-media?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Jan 2020 00:00:14 +0000 There is no cure for the new coronavirus which originated in Wuhan, China - but the same is true of the common cold. However, there are definitely things that lots of people do which make it more likely you'll pick up similar diseases. Stop these bad habits, and know that you’re doing your part to stop spreading infections. 1. Not washing your hands. Scientists will tell you this is the easiest thing people can do to stop the spread of disease. 2. Not covering your nose and mouth when you cough... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3047540/10-gross-habits-make-it-more-likely-youll-spread-virus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3047540/10-gross-habits-make-it-more-likely-youll-spread-virus?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Jan 2020 12:00:12 +0000 People make a lot of snap judgments when they meet someone. First impressions are formed in the first seven seconds of meeting another person, by making eye contact, smiling, and introducing yourself. In the following seconds, you have the chance to introduce who you are and what your unique selling points are. This quick-fire delivery is often called an “elevator pitch”. In high-stakes situations like job interviews, an effective elevator pitch could mean the difference between standing out as... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3047421/how-sell-yourself-art-elevator-pitch-and-making-best-first?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3047421/how-sell-yourself-art-elevator-pitch-and-making-best-first?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Jan 2020 12:00:21 +0000 Nobody likes tidying - not really. When faced with mindless tasks, most people put them off, or say they don’t have time. The truth is we just don’t choose to make the time to do them. But most people do like the outcome of little organisation. It can ease your anxiety and actually make you feel better. If you approach the organisational aspects of spring cleaning as an emotional cleansing as well as a physical one, it will give you the added motivation you need, and the benefit of helping to... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3046375/6-tips-help-you-get-organised-its-time-spring-cleaning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3046375/6-tips-help-you-get-organised-its-time-spring-cleaning?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Jan 2020 00:00:04 +0000 One of the biggest news stories so far this year has been the spread of the China coronovirus around the world – cases have been confirmed in the US, South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Macau. This disease has added stress to anyone planning to travel this winter, beyond the usual cold and flu season concerns. Airports are taking steps to protect those passing through. In the US, passengers travelling to certain cities from the Chinese city of Wuhan will be screened for 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3047190/10-tips-keep-you-healthy-plane-amid-spread-china-coronavirus-flu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3047190/10-tips-keep-you-healthy-plane-amid-spread-china-coronavirus-flu?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Jan 2020 12:15:08 +0000 Baking a potato should be as easy as boiling water. But it’s not. And if you’re in search for perfection, here is the one, sure-fire way, to get a gloriously fluffy, creamy baked spud every time. For traditional baked potatoes that are going to be loaded with toppings, you must buy Russet potatoes. Russets have a thicker skin and a beautiful starchy, snowy – almost meaty – interior that soaks up every drop of butter, cheese and or sour cream. You can make smashed potatoes with red new potatoes... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3046260/how-make-perfect-baked-potato?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3046260/how-make-perfect-baked-potato?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Jan 2020 00:00:13 +0000 There’s something reassuring about starting a new year with a clean slate, in many aspects of life. The days before the Lunar New Year are traditionally a time for for people to bid the old year goodbye by cleaning their homes. This “Day of Cleaning” occurs on the 28th day of the 12th lunar month (this year, that’s January 22). Whether or not you celebrate the Lunar New Year, or whether your family practises these traditions or not, it’s a good excuse to take some time to declutter your living... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3028014/5-tips-help-you-declutter-and-tidy-even-marie-kondo-would-approve?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3028014/5-tips-help-you-declutter-and-tidy-even-marie-kondo-would-approve?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jan 2020 00:00:08 +0000 When our belongings “disappear”, many of us refuse to take responsibility for the fact we’re to blame for misplacing it. But there are some easy ways to get organised, and stop losing your things once and for all. A place for everything Take five minutes to write a list of the things you lose most often. Then assign each of the items on your list a home and make sure you always return them to that home after you’ve finished using them. That way you know exactly where to look when you need... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3027753/how-stop-losing-things-your-keys-and-textbook-one-sock-always?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3027753/how-stop-losing-things-your-keys-and-textbook-one-sock-always?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jan 2020 00:00:10 +0000 Wondering whether a new acquaintance goes by he, she, they or ze, but unsure how to ask? Here are some tips the queer community on how best to ask someone their pronouns without outing them if they’re figuring it out themselves. Aaryanna Gariss, an average Chicago queer We need to change the narrative that asking for someone’s pronouns is awkward. Stating pronouns needs to become normalised. When we are at a point in a conversation and you introduce yourself with your name, it should be the next... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3045986/how-ask-someones-pronouns-without-outing-or-offending-them?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3045986/how-ask-someones-pronouns-without-outing-or-offending-them?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Jan 2020 11:00:10 +0000 You’ve probably been told not to use Wikipedia for class assignments. And sure it’s not the most reliable source of information (plus not doing proper research is just lazy), but the site can still be a very powerful tool if you know how to use it properly. Here are some top tips on how to become a Wikipedia pro: Don’t cite Wikipedia, go to the source When writing academic essays, you need to cite the sources of your information. This means you need to state exactly where the information in your... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3028027/guide-using-wikipedia-your-next-assignment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3028027/guide-using-wikipedia-your-next-assignment?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Jan 2020 00:00:11 +0000 If you’re hoping to get a new job (or your first job!) this year, it’s important to be as prepared as possible. Before you can even hope to get someone to read your CV, you have to make sure they read the email you send them. The subject line of an email is the first thing a recipient sees, and with more than 300 billion business emails sent every day, it’s harder than ever to get noticed. Whether you’re cold-emailing potential mentors, scouting for open positions, or even applying for a job,... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3045428/find-job-your-dreams-2020-learning-how-write-perfect?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3045428/find-job-your-dreams-2020-learning-how-write-perfect?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Jan 2020 01:00:10 +0000 There are a myriad excuses for not keeping up a new habit. These were the excuses I made when I failed – yet again – to keep up a new habit. These were the things I’d tell myself when I thought about the things I wanted to do daily –  journal, meditate, go to the gym – but never did. I had an excuse for everything. I had a reason to control every failure. The road to success may be full of curves, but the path to failure is much easier to predict. And I like to stay in control. But I have... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3033057/its-time-stop-making-excuses-and-stick-healthy-habits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3033057/its-time-stop-making-excuses-and-stick-healthy-habits?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Jan 2020 00:00:05 +0000 If you need some advice on managing your money, and ensuring a financially secure future, a financial planner can offer objective money advice. But you don’t have to wait until you’re in a full-time job to get good at managing your wealth – or lack thereof. Developing good habits in your late teens and early 20s will give you the skills to protect your assets later in life. Here are five top tips from certified financial planners on how to make the most of your money, and get on the right track... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/money/article/3045174/5-financial-planning-tips-professionals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/money/article/3045174/5-financial-planning-tips-professionals?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Jan 2020 00:00:09 +0000 If your new year’s resolutions for 2020 involve eating better, one of the best ways to keep it is to start meal-prepping. It will free up so much time, plus if you bring your spoils for lunch, save you a bunch of money. But how do you get started? If you’ve never done it before, meal-prepping can feel overwhelming. But it’s not, really. Here’s everything you need to know to succeed. What is meal prep, and why should I try it? Meal prep is exactly what it sounds like: prepping your meals (or meal... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044548/beginners-guide-meal-prep?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044548/beginners-guide-meal-prep?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Jan 2020 01:00:21 +0000 Welcome to 2019. If you’re still searching for an inspirational New Year’s resolution, you’re not alone. We’ll say, to be fair, that as we are between the standard New Year and the lunar New Year, you still have some time to think up something amazing. But if you need a little inspiration, staff at The Washington Post put their spin on food resolutions which are incredibly thoughtful and encourage mindfulness. Find togetherness at the table For most of human history, eating alone was not an... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044301/5-new-years-food-resolutions-have-nothing-do-dieting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044301/5-new-years-food-resolutions-have-nothing-do-dieting?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Jan 2020 01:00:21 +0000 Preparing for a job interview can be taxing, but it can be almost as challenging to figure out just how many times you should follow up with the boss of your dream job after a great interview. Your follow-up plays a bigger part in the process than you may realise, said Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and author of Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behaviour and Thrive in Your Job. “The quality of your follow-up can underscore a successful interview, or... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3044272/how-follow-after-job-interview-without-seeming?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/career-education/article/3044272/how-follow-after-job-interview-without-seeming?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jan 2020 11:00:13 +0000 The new year is a time for fresh starts, or at least good intentions. Sometimes January 1 (and several of the days that follow) can be less productive than planned because of overindulgence leading to hangovers. Mankind all over the globe has grappled with the morning-after effects of booze since our ancestors first gobbled up that overripe fruit that made them feel so good – and then woke up feeling like prehistoric garbage. These days, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the number of high-tech... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3044206/5-tried-and-tested-hangover-cures-around-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3044206/5-tried-and-tested-hangover-cures-around-world?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jan 2020 10:10:12 +0000 This dish is perfect, whether you’re just in the mood for a filling breakfast or you over-imbibed the night before and you’re wondering how to make it through the day. What’s more, there’s actual science behind the reputed power of eggs at taming the after-effects of a night of boozing. Specifically, an amino acid in eggs helps break down acetaldehyde, which is thought to be one of the causes of hangovers. Then again, it may be just the comforting hug of a breakfast of carbs, eggs and heat that... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044202/ultimate-hangover-breakfast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3044202/ultimate-hangover-breakfast?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jan 2020 09:00:03 +0000 Air miles are great – if you use them. It’s so easy to sign up for a loyalty programme, and then forget that you’ve done so, and never bother to check your status. Even if you remember (or are reminded by the airline that a bunch of your frequent flier miles are going to expire), often people just can’t be bothered to deal, and let those valuable loyalty points go. According to a report by Bankrate.com, almost half of American adults who participate in airline and hotel rewards programmes have... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3044080/how-avoid-losing-expiring-airline-miles-no-flying-necessary?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3044080/how-avoid-losing-expiring-airline-miles-no-flying-necessary?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:19 +0000 Have you made a list of New Year’s resolutions for 2020 yet? If you’re like most people, no matter how good your intentions are when you establish them, it’s likely those resolutions won’t last, because it’s tough to get changes to stick. People fall into the same traps year after year. Whether they decide to lose weight, pay off debt, or get organised, they declare that they’re finally going to do something different in the coming year. Yet, despite their efforts, most of them feel discouraged... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3043973/5-reasons-why-you-dont-stick-your-new-years-resolutions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3043973/5-reasons-why-you-dont-stick-your-new-years-resolutions?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Dec 2019 22:30:10 +0000 As a new year looms, many people see it as an opportunity to better themselves and start working on new projects and goals by making New Year’s resolutions. Often, these revolve around things like getting fit, getting better grades or spending less money. But resolving to take care of our mental health often takes a back seat, despite the fact that it affects our emotional, physical and social well-being. With the help of Hong Kong-based certified NLP Life Coach Steffi Lopez Gonzalez, we’ve... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3043968/7-tips-making-new-years-resolutions-are-good-your-mental?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3043968/7-tips-making-new-years-resolutions-are-good-your-mental?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Dec 2019 22:30:07 +0000 There’s an innate human desire to constantly improve – something that extends to wanting each New Year’s Eve party to be better than the last. But this aspiration can be pretty taxing on the environment. Here are some alternative eco-friendly ideas to traditional NYE essentials that will help you start 2020 on the right foot. Make it rain Instead of tossing shiny tinsel or store-bought confetti when midnight strikes, make your own this year by shredding old newspapers or leftover wrapping paper... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/environment/article/3043920/6-ways-make-your-new-years-eve-party-more-eco-friendly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/environment/article/3043920/6-ways-make-your-new-years-eve-party-more-eco-friendly?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Dec 2019 10:00:16 +0000 Nurses spend all day with doctors, so they know a thing or two about how to deal with them, and so they have some advice on what to ask your doctor during a visit. One of the most important things patients can do is advocate for themselves during treatment, nurses say. Diagnostic errors (or mistakes doctors can make with treatment plans) affect 1 in 20 adults each year, according to research published in the peer-reviewed journal The BMJ. Here are some questions nurses suggest you ask your... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3043024/7-questions-you-should-never-be-afraid-ask-your-doctor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3043024/7-questions-you-should-never-be-afraid-ask-your-doctor?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Dec 2019 01:00:18 +0000 Salt is your friend in the kitchen - seriously, it’s science. Throw a pinch in the pot anytime you’re boiling water. It helps with the important physical process of osmosis, namely by ensuring that food retains all its flavour instead of having it be boiled away. When combined with water, salt creates a solution that stops potatoes and other vegetables from having their nutrients leached out through boiling, according to Germany’s Federal Centre for Nutrition. 7 times you’re better off spending... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3043031/how-boil-vegetables-scientist?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3043031/how-boil-vegetables-scientist?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Dec 2019 00:00:14 +0000 If you’ve ever had a cat, you’ll know how much they love cardboard boxes. Whatever equipment you bring home, as soon as you've emptied that carton, your cat will have taken total possession of it. If there’s one thing that can be said about cats, it’s that they love tiny cardboard enclosures. Indeed, pet owners can deliberately use these as stress relievers, while making sure that any sharp edges are torn away or sanded off and that there aren’t any staples that could scratch the cat. Animals... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3042930/how-calm-stressed-cat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3042930/how-calm-stressed-cat?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Dec 2019 00:00:12 +0000 If you need to feel like you’re eating something super healthy, but don’t want to spend much time or money, we’ve got the perfect recipe. It’s got just a few ingredients, many of them pantry staples – warming spices balanced by the acidic pop of tomatoes make it interesting, despite its simplicity. It’s hearty enough for dinner, light enough for lunch, flexible enough for eaters of various dietary persuasions. (Just turn it into a side for carnivores or add an egg for the non-vegan... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3042976/ultimate-feel-good-food-turmeric-ginger-chickpea-bowl?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3042976/ultimate-feel-good-food-turmeric-ginger-chickpea-bowl?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Dec 2019 01:00:12 +0000 On days when you need something full of flavour, or full of cold-busting goodness, this better-than-Deliveroo soup is ideal. Takeout-style hot-and-sour soup Ingredients (4 to 6 servings) 15g dried shiitake mushrooms (about 6) 15g dried wood ear mushrooms (about 3) 2 cups warm water, plus 4 cups cool water 250g boneless pork loin, cut into thin strips 1 1/2 tsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine; may substitute dry sherry) 3 tbsp cornstarch combined with ¼ cup water, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3042836/easy-hot-and-sour-soup-days-when-cold-or-cold-gets-you-down?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/well-being/article/3042836/easy-hot-and-sour-soup-days-when-cold-or-cold-gets-you-down?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Dec 2019 00:00:13 +0000 If you’re not much of a baker, but are hoping to entertain some friends and family this holiday season (or anytime, really, because who needs an excuse for cake?), we’ve got some ideas for delectable cake desserts that require zero baking and minimum prep. To get started, buy a pre-made sponge or pound cake in your favourite flavour from the supermarket, then pick your favourite recipe. Sweet surprise cake There’s more than meets the eye with this cake – simply cut into it to reveal the... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3028181/6-christmas-cake-hacks-sweeten-holiday-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3028181/6-christmas-cake-hacks-sweeten-holiday-season?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Dec 2019 00:00:10 +0000 The recent United Nations climate conference, COP25, ended without any solid plan to tackle the climate crisis. Big corporates and governments are just not committing enough time or resources to looking at this terrifying problem. Luckily, some organisations are trying to make a difference, particularly when it comes to trees. A recent study suggested we can fight climate change by planting a trillion trees – it received a viral response, including volunteers in India and Ethiopia putting... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3042314/combine-your-travel-tree-planting-and-help-tackle-climate-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/travel/article/3042314/combine-your-travel-tree-planting-and-help-tackle-climate-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Dec 2019 00:00:15 +0000 Around this time of year, it’s likely you’ll be attending a whole bunch of dinners, whether or not you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or Hogmanay. From one last mass meal with friends before you head home for the term break to family gatherings with branches of the fam you didn’t know were in town, most of us prepare for a season of excess. The excess spills over to leftovers, too. Most people find they have plenty remaining. It’s a problem so common that experts have linked holiday... https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3041806/safe-way-deal-leftovers-they-go-bad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/better-life/how/article/3041806/safe-way-deal-leftovers-they-go-bad?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Dec 2019 01:00:16 +0000