We are well into the last month of circuit breaker, and while staying at home has had its own challenges, we’re looking forward to stepping into better days as our world starts to recover. That being said, if you’ve done all there is you’ve wanted to do at home, and need a little more inspiration to help get you through this last lap here are some ideas and activities the V&VPR team have put together to help you survive – and even enjoy – the remaining weeks of lockdown.

Keep Positive by Practicing Gratitude

Need some perking up to help you stay afloat in all this gloom and doom? Spend some time focusing on the things you know you’re grateful for. As mentioned in our previous blogpost on Wellness in the time of Coronavirus, practicing gratitude is an amazing way to overcome feelings of anxiety and helplessness in this current climate. Keep a journal and write down three things you’re grateful for every day, or even take it one step further and write gratitude letters for friends and loved ones that you appreciate which you can send via snail mail to make their day.

Declutter Your Home

There’s no better time to reorganize that mess in your house you’ve been putting off for a while now. Whether it’s that dusty old guest bedroom you need to clear or the mountain of items you haven’t used in more than two years – now is the perfect time to declutter. Do you really still need ten different coffee mugs or that old skirt you’ve been keeping since your university days? If it doesn’t spark joy, toss it out! Maintaining a tidy home can turn it into a sanctuary that will make rest and relaxation a breeze whilst also giving you more time, space and energy to focus on other priorities.

Learn How to Prep Healthy Meals

Once the circuit breaker is over, one of the most important skills you can step away with is learning how to throw together healthy, nutritious meals to help you support a healthy immune system. If you don’t usually cook, the next few weeks is the best time to pick up your pots and pans and get cracking in the kitchen. Check out these 3-ingredient recipes from Shape magazine, ranging from Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon to Quickie Crab Cakes that you can whip up in a heartbeat – these are great to take along to work as well when it’s time to head back to the office.

Sweat it Out

If you’re feeling restless from staying indoors or looking to tone up and get some ab definition for when pools and beaches are back open, consider taking on fitness challenges or virtual workout sessions that you can carry out from indoors. For beginners, check out Chloe Ting’s trending 2 Week Shred Challenge ranging from just 10 to 40 minute workouts a day – it’s absolutely free, and all you need is a fitness mat to help you get closer to your goals. Take it up a notch with Kayla Itsines famous 12 week Bikini Body Challenge which you can find on her SWEAT app, boasting affordable subscriptions starting from just $0.33 USD a day.

Also consider supporting local businesses by joining in on their virtual fitness classes, so you can do your part to help the economy whilst staying at home! We recommend signing up for F45’s 45 Day Challenge where you’ll have access to daily 45 minute workouts; UFIT’s daily live 30-minute long virtual classes with programmes ranging from Stretch, Pilates, Build and Burn; and WeBarre’s enjoyable hour-long classes that range from $12/class or $35/week.

Explore the World from Your Armchair

Being stuck at home doesn’t mean you’re completely cut off from the wonders of travel. With the help of today’s technology, there are plenty of ways to see the world that are available at just the touch of a button. Take part in amazing virtual experiences offered by some of the world’s top hotels, resorts and destinations such as Singita’s virtual game drives where you can get up close with some of Africa’s incredible wildlife; the Sydney Opera House’s digital initiative – From Our House To Yours, featuring full-length performances and talks; and Capella Ubud’s Jamu-making tutorial video based on the all-natural, anti-inflammatory juice that has been a known tonic in Indonesia for centuries.

Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones

Finally, make the best of the time you have with friends and family. Whether you’re cooped in the same house, or miles and miles apart, an opportunity for quality time like this is unlikely to come by again soon. Binge an entire series on Netflix together, take part in quizzes and virtual games, solve a 1,000-piece puzzle – the possibilities are endless. Need a few games to get you started? Create your own quiz to play with loved ones on Kahoot!; check out Skribblio – our favourite multiplayer drawing and guessing game or get whisked away to stunning NSW landscapes and adorable wildlife with these virtual jigsaw puzzles.

For more inspiration to get you through this circuit breaker, check out the rest of our blog here.

On days where nothing seems sure, there’s nothing better than stepping into your kitchen and whipping up your favourite comfort food knowing with absolute certainty that you won’t be disappointed.

We’ve gathered top no-fail recipes from each of the V&VPR team members to provide you with cooking inspiration that will warm your spirit.

Charissa’s Pick: One Bowl Chocolate Cake

“Who doesn’t like chocolate?” – Charissa

This simple chocolate cake recipe from Smitten Kitchen is fuss-free and takes less than an hour and a half to make.

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Heat your oven to 325°F. Butter and lightly flour a standard loaf pan. In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugars and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat well, then the buttermilk and vanilla. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt together right into your wet ingredients. Stir together with a spoon until well-blended but do not overmix.
  2. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool in pan on a rack for about 10 to 15 minutes, at which point you can cool it the rest of the way out of the pan.
  3. Serve with whipped cream and fresh berries, if you’re feeling fancy.

Olivia’s Pick: Shrimp Saganaki

“It’s super easy to make but makes me feel like I’m on vacation when I eat it!” – Olivia

This savoury dish is so good, it’ll be on your mind for days after. Follow Olivia’s mouthwatering recipe for Shrimp Saganaki here:

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Warm a frying pan on a medium heat, add oil and crush the garlic into the pan
  2. Once the garlic has started to brown slightly, throw in the prawns, chilli flakes, oregano, salt and pepper
  3. Once the prawns have turned pink and just start to curl, take them out and place to one side
  4. Add a glass of wine to the pan and simmer away
  5. Throw in all of the cherry tomatoes, leave to reduce for 1-2 mins and then add the tinned tomatoes 
  6. Stir and leave to cook for a couple of minutes 
  7. Tear up the dill and add to the pan 
  8. By the time the cherry toms are soft and cooked, the whole thing should be ready
  9. Pop your prawns back into the mix and stir around
  10. Crumble over the feta cheese and serve

Samantha’s Pick: Basque Burnt Cheesecake

“My motto this circuit breaker is Keep Calm & Have Cake. This cheesecake is so light and fluffy, it goes perfectly with a good cup of coffee to perk you up in the morning.” – Samantha

Butter Milk Pantry’s recipe for Basque Burnt Cheesecake is quick and easy and will leave your house smelling like a bakery.

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Line 6” circle cake tin with 2 layers of baking paper and trimmed to have an overhanging amount of 1.5″-2″.
  2. Beat sugar and cream cheese together on medium until smooth and you can’t feel the sugar granules any longer. Scrape the bowl.
  3. Add eggs one at a time and beat on medium until smooth. Scrape the bowl again to ensure that nothing sticks to the sides for even mixing.
  4. Add the vanilla and lemon juice and beat until just mixed.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix flour and cream until smooth.
  6. Slowly pour the cream/flour mixture into the cheese mixture whilst the mixer is beating on low until mixed through. Increase speed to medium and mix for 15 seconds just to ensure it’s all combined.
  7. Bake at 240C for 30-35mins until top is dark amber and almost charred at parts but the middles still has a wobble to them when you give the pan a jiggle.
  8. Let cool in the tin fully on a wire rack to allow the cheesecake to set.
  9. Remove from the baking tin and enjoy at room temperature.

Rosie’s Pick: Tomato Curry

“This is my comfort food, as I know the recipe off by heart. I don’t have to think when I’m throwing it together and it’s pretty quick to make – great after a long day. I love the mixture of tomatoes and veggies and how wholesome and warming it is.” – Rosie

A good bowl of curry is like medicine to the soul. Rosie’s tomato curry recipe an amazing pick-me-up to have any time of the week.

Ingredients:

Method: 

  1. Fry onion and garlic together in a pan until translucent 
  2. Add in cherry tomatoes and sweet potatoes and stir 
  3. Add in 1 cup of water and red lentils 
  4. Add in chilli powder, chilli flakes and turmeric powder 
  5. Stir well and leave to simmer for approximately 10 mins, stirring from time to time 
  6. Add in spinach and season 
  7. Take off heat when lentils are fully cooked through and serve with brown rice

Tiffany’s Pick: Sweet Potato Cinnamon Buns With Browned Butter Cream Cheese Glaze

“I have regular cravings for any baked goods that feature cinnamon and this recipe might just be my favourite one. It uses the natural sweetness of sweet potato to get that delicious syrupy flavour, making it less guilty than most cinnamon bun recipes. The process of kneading the dough is also incredibly therapeutic – almost as good as eating the end product!” – Tiffany

Pillowy-soft cinnamon buns are just a short bake away with this recipe by Samantha Seneviratne from Food52.

Ingredients:

Dough

Cinnamon filling

Glaze

Method:

  1. Prepare the dough: In a small pot, bring the milk just to a boil over medium heat. Watch closely to ensure that the milk doesn’t boil over. Remove from the heat and add the butter to the pot to melt. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and let it cool to 110° to 115°F. (It should be warm to the touch, but not too hot.) Add the egg and sweet potato purée and stir to combine.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl and using a wooden spoon, combine the flour, brown sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk mixture and mix just until incorporated.
  3. Switch to the dough hook and knead the dough on low speed (or knead with your hands) until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Form the dough into a ball and transfer it to a buttered bowl, cover it, and leave it in a warm, draft-free spot until it has doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.
  4. Prepare the cinnamon filling: Mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Add the butter and mash to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
  5. Prepare the pepita filling: Melt the butter in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pepitas and salt and cook until lightly browned and popping, 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and cook, stirring, until the sugar has melted and coated the pepitas, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. Wipe the skillet out with a paper towel and let cool.
  6. Butter the cast-iron pan. Tip out the dough onto a very lightly floured work surface. Roll it into a 12 x 11–inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface. Break up the sugared pepitas into smaller pieces and sprinkle over the cinnamon filling. Tightly roll up the dough and pinch the top seam closed. With a serrated knife, cut the roll crosswise into 10 equal pieces. Set them in the pan, spirals facing upward. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let them rest until the dough has almost doubled again, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Uncover the rolls and bake until golden brown and puffed and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 185° to 190°F, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  8. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze: Cook the butter in a small skillet over medium heat until the milk solids have turned golden brown and the butter smells nutty, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and chill in the freezer until cool and just beginning to solidify.
  9. Beat the chilled butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it is exactly as thick as you like it.
  10. Transfer the buns to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes, then top with glaze. Let cool slightly before serving.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of comfort food recipes. Check out the rest of our blog here for more ideas and inspiration to get you through quarantine.

Take this stay-at-home period as the perfect opportunity to practice more self-care and self-love. To help give your mind and body a boost of TLC, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to transform your home into a glorious, luxury hotel spa for the day! 

07:00AM – MEDITATE

Start the day with Singita’s inspiring sunrise meditation.

Lead by Singita’s Wellness Manager, Renée Rosettenstein, this session will ensure viewers relax and commence the day de-stressed and invigorated. Accompanied with a beautiful shot of the rising sun over the expansive African wilderness, this calming meditation is the ultimate way to welcome a new day.

10:00AM – PREP

Create your own sanctuary.

Scent is vital in recreating a spa experience, and our top pick is the Volcanic Stone Diffuser from Curators Collective in Jugiong, NSW that releases the essential oils of amber and spices. Adding a few drops of essential oil to these black volcanic stones permeates the air with soothing, therapeutic fragrance. Get yours through this link.

Next, get comfy with soft, delicate matching pyjamas. Located deep in wine country, Edited and Co, is a boutique in Mudgee that sells sophisticated, soft-to-touch fleece tops and track pants worthy of that opulent at-home spa day you have planned. Available in grey and vintage white for a sophisticated feel, shop for a pair of chic and comfortable pyjamas here.

11:00AM – FACE

Face mists are a wonderful way to rejuvenate and refresh your skin at the start of the day.

Using this simple recipe from Capella Singapore, you can prep your own bottle of Cucumber Mint Face Mist using natural ingredients such as cucumber, mint and lemon. Cucumber has vitamin C which can help soothe skin and keep it revitalized; while lemon promotes an even skin tone, and mint has anti-inflammatory properties – a perfect combination for maintaining a healthy glow with or without makeup.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Juice the cucumber and add in the lemon juice.
  2. Steep the mint tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes. Allow tea to cool.
  3. Combine the cucumber-lemon juice and cooled tea together in a spray bottle.
  4. Store in a spray bottle in the refrigerator.
  5. Use to start and end the day and as many times in-between.

13:00PM – SCRUB

An at-home spa day just isn’t complete without a luxurious body scrub.

Aside from helping you keep your skin soft, smooth and hydrated, body scrubs also aid in stimulating blood circulation and improving the overall tone and health of your skin. Capella Singapore divulges the recipe to their Himalayan Salt Scrub with ingredients such as grapefruit essential oil that will help to stimulate the lymphatic system and eliminate excess water. It also helps to boost circulation and diminish the appearance of cellulite.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Combine Salt, Coconut Oil and Olive Oil together in a bowl.
  2. Add in Grapefruit Essential Oil to your preference.
  3. Put mixture into a container.
  4. To use take into shower and apply to body in circular motions. Focus on elbows, knees, feet etc. as needed. Rinse with lukewarm water.

*Note of Caution as this has oil it can make surfaces slippery

Lips require care and attention as well, and this quick-and-easy scrub is especially useful for preventing dry and chapped lips, ensuring you always look lovely and fresh for your next Zoom meeting. Capella Singapore’s DIY Coconut & Honey Lip Scrub is great for keeping your lips soft, exfoliated and hydrated.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Combine Coconut Oil and Honey together.
  2. Add in Sugar, Essential oil and Warm Water for correct consistency.
  3. Put mixture into a container. Store in the refrigerator.
  4. To use rub on your lips in a circular motion for two minutes, rinse with lukewarm water.

15:00PM – SKIN

While the popular Endota Spa in the Southern Highlands town of Bowral, NSW is closed at the moment, you can now jump online and pick up amazing Endota products that will help you achieve that glorious glow at home. Their Brightening New Age Mini Kit contains cleansing gel, a detox mask, brightening serum, eye cream and firming moisturiser for a mini facial you can do yourself.

Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, NSW has its own luxurious Bouddi spa pack that you can purchase online which uses essential oils inspired by the Bouddi (meaning ‘heart’ in the local Aboriginal language) wilderness. The pack contains a body wash and body lotion hand blended and packaged at Bells Day Spa with ingredients such as Orange, Rose Geramium & Patchouli essence.

17:00PM – EAT

End your spa day right with a nutritious meal, inspired by nature.

Singita’s menus are known for offering plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes, and new health bowls have been introduced alongside natural infusions and loose-leaf teas. To finish your day of wellness on a good note, re-create the taste of Singita with this recipe for Sweni Lodge Beetroot Tart.

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Place the vinegar, orange juice, sugar and rosemary into a small pan and simmer over a very low heat for roughly 5 minutes or until you have a syrupy consistency. Allow to cool.
  2. Scoop out 8 “balls” of cooked beetroot using a melon baller and place them into the vinegar and orange juice mixture. Coat the beetroot evenly with the syrup.
  3. Place your puff pastry on a floured work surface. Using a round template (e.g. a tea cup, saucer or side plate) cut out a round piece of puff pastry. Remember the size of your template will determine the size of your tart!
  4. Next brush the round of puff pastry with the egg wash and place on a greased baking tray.
  5. Place your beetroot balls on top of the puff pastry, arranging them in a symmetrical pattern. Keep any left over vinegar and orange mix for plating.
  6. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C for ± 10 – 12 min or until the puff pastry is golden brown.
  7. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our blogpost on how to create your own at-home spa day. For more wellness inspiration, check out the rest of our blog here.

In light of the developing Covid-19 situation, we are all doing what we can to #SaveFnbSG, and Singapore’s restaurants and bars have got some fantastic offers for everyone to indulge in over the next month:

Indulge in some of the city’s best menus at home

Asian fusion restaurant Butcher Boy invites guests to indulge in meaty menus at home. Offering either delivery or pick-up options, Butcher Boy’s new take-away menu includes classics such as Butcher Boy Bacon & Cheese Burger, the flavoursome Fried Chicken Yuzu Kewpie Bao and the exquisite Crispy Primrose Farm Pork Belly. These mains can be accompanied by delicious sides including the famous Szechuan Brussel Sprouts. Diners can pair their feasts with a selection of premium wine and beer, or their favourite cocktails.

Pasta Bar, the go-to artisanal pasta restaurant has launched ‘Fresh Pasta Home Cooking Kits’ and ‘Bake Yourself’ Lasagna Trays (from $120)that can be delivered, or picked up from the restaurant. Accompanied with cooking instructions, the kit has everything consumers need to feed a family of 2, 4, 6, or more. Offerings like Hand-Cut Tagliatelle, fresh Rigatoni can be combined with a variation of delicious sauces such as 24-hour beef Ragu, Pesto ‘Genovese’, and San Marzano Tomato & Basil. For diners who wish to add wine or starters to complete the meal, options for a Salami Platter, Burrata, and a selection of wines are also available.

How about an at-home Mexican Fiesta? Papi’s Tacos has created a take-away package for groups of 4-12 to liven spirits during this tough situation. Available for order on their website, the DIY tacos come with a choice of three fillings ranging from their signature grilled fish, chorizo sausage, shrimp, and mushroom. No true fiesta is complete without delicious Mexican drinks, with pre-mixed margaritas in either classic lime, strawberry, spicy mango, or grapefruit.

Enjoy a drink, or two at home

Employees Only provides drink enthusiasts with quality cocktails to enjoy at home during this time. Employees Only has launched pre-batched cocktails available in 350ml including the likes of the Old Fashioned, Negroni, Martini, or a refreshing Cold Brew Martini. The offers range from each sold individually at $80, a selection of 3 at $220, or flights of 5 at $350. The famous EO Negroni is also available in a large 750ml format that’s perfect for 6 or more people at $150.

Elegant and refined, Nyetimber has been dedicated to the production of the finest English sparkling wine for the past 30 years, and numerous accolades and awards have positioned the brand as an internationally renowned producer, surpassing all expectations of what can be achieved in English winemaking. Nyetimber is available to purchase online in Singapore at Analogue Wine Merchants.

Importer of fine wines, Angra Wines is passionate about sharing some of the world’s best wine in Singapore. Now offering a flash sale across many top wines, Angra Wines has up to 50% off on delicious vintages. For more information, please visit the wine list here or call +65 6532 7791 to order. 

Advocates for extraordinary spirits, EC Proof are offering an incredible warehouse sale on a range of discounted items from recipe books to glasses or even your favourite spirit, EC Proof will have you sorted for any at-home cocktail evening! For more information, please visit their website or call +65 8228 0113 to place your orders today. 

Together we can #SaveFnbSG!

Check out the rest of our page here for more insights and inspiration!