For the past three days, renowned interior and furniture designers from around the world have been converging at the International Furniture Fair Singapore, at Singapore Expo Halls 2-8. Until today the event has been purely for trade, but on Friday March 11 from 5pm until 7pm you can gain entry and have a squizz at the very latest in interior design, form and function.

Kelly Hoppen, UK celebritiy interior designer - and stepmum to actress Sienna Miller - is in town for IFFS and to launch her new range of vintage-inspired living and dining furniture (now available at CURIO) and her new interiors book. While I’ll be attending an invite-only party at CURIO tonight, Kelly will be heading to Page One, VivoCity on Saturday March 12 at 4pm for a meet-and-greet book signing.

Her new coffeetable book, Kelly Hoppen: Ideas, follows on from Kelly Hoppen: Style and Kelly Hoppen: Home and is filled with tips and advice to inspire you to redesign your living space with personal flair - no matter the scope or your budget. I know I’m looking forward to adding a touch of Kelly Hoppen glam to my own home, which is starting to look a bit same-same and is sorely in need of some TLC!

March 8 is International Women’s Day when women throughout the world are recognised for their economic, political and social achievements. To all fellow women reading this I salute you! From getting the kids ready for school in the morning, to completing work tasks by deadline, propping up hubby’s self-esteem, keeping fit with regular workouts and taking time to honour your spirit,to  preparing nourishing meals for all the family, organising the holidays no-one would get to go on if it wasn’t for you, clothing those you love, finding "you" time for all the important people in your life, giving to others - whether it’s a compliment or charitable donation, but above all - ensuring things get DONE! Congratulations - this is your day.

In Singapore, the American Women’s Association honoured Debbie Fordyce of the Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) Cuff Road Project (pictured with Caroline Adelman - wife of US Ambassador David Adelman). TWC2 promotes research and awareness to improve the lives of foreign workers (typically from Bangladesh, India, China and the Philippines) in Singapore. But when Debbie started volunteering, she found unfathomable numbers of people were sleeping in rough conditions or cheap lodging houses - with inadequate facilities and space. Many were waiting resolution to complaints against their companies - such as non-pay, poor working conditions, or for treatment for workplace injuries. While not being able or allowed to work, they received no support or housing from their employer and were baffled as to how to navigate the system that kept them in Singapore. One simple and logical response was to provide food and The Cuff Road project has now - three years later - served more than 200,000 meals to several thousand workers. They’ve also recorded case histories and used the workers’ stories in research projects to appeal for better living and working conditions.

Congratulations Debbie, a well-deserved honour! 

The Cellar Door has come up with a great way for you to assist those affected by the Christchurch earthquake, by enjoying the very best New Zealand has to offer - its beautiful wines. In the month of March, for every bottle of New Zealand wine purchased from The Cellar Door - either online, or in store - five percent of the price will be donated to the Christchurch disaster relief fund. Buy a case and they’ll donate 10 percent. Now that’s putting your money where your mouth is…

TO ORDER: Shop online at www.thecellardoor.com.sg, call Audrey or Shu Hui on 6464 9909, or drop by The Cellar Door Deli & Wine Cafe at #01-108/109 VivoCity - nearest lift lobbys are E and F.

Early Tuesday morning as I watched the first news of the most recent earthquake in Christchurch, I marvelled at how, once again, it seemed the city had escaped harm. Tragically, as the hours passed, it became clear this was not the case and the initial quake had been much more serious than first reported, with an incredible 42 afterschocks causing further damage and terror. As I write this post, the death toll has reached 98 and hundreds more people are missing, entrapped and unlikely to have survived to this point. Even more disturbing, those who have been trapped, supassed all odds and are miraculously still alive, are unlikely to be rescued - due to the danger it would put their rescuers in.

The accounts of office workers telephoning loved ones to say farewell from beneath trapped desks, updating media outlets with eyewitness reports and the interviews with those waiting for news of family members, is heartbreaking to say the least. And while international rescue workers and paramedics arrive from throughout the world to relieve their exhausted Kiwi peers, it seems the only news likely to be released now will be even worse. So how can you help?

• Minimise overload of communications services by sending text messages to those you are concerned about.
• If you want to report, trace or receive updates on a missing person, call +64 7 850 2199.
• Click here for more news on Canterbury-area restrictions and support centres.
• Make a monetary donation via the Red Cross  or an ANZ bank - Singapore branches are at Marine Parade, Orchard Road, Raffles Place and Thomson Plaza.
• Contribute a message of support by signing the condolence book at the New Zealand High Commission - open from Monday to Friday 9:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.

Another very real way to stand with the people of New Zealand is to attend the upcoming service of reflection here in Singapore, hosted by the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce and New Zealand High Commission.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb 26 6pm-7pm
WHERE: St George’s Church (Anglican), Minden Road.

In some way, may we soon be able to say ka mate te kainga tahi, ka ora te kainga rua - when one house dies, a second lives. And may something good, in time, emerge from this horrendous and terrible misfortune. To all those affected, our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Happy Valentine’s Day! If you’ve left it late to book a romantic dinner, check out some redeeming ideas here, or take the time to prepare a homecooked meal of favourite dishes, served with love. My hubby is leaving on a business trip tonight, so we’ll be eating at home and celebrating out next Saturday. Which isn’t a bad idea if you’re not a fan of Valentine’s menus and prices!

Today is also the 12th anniversary of my move to Singapore, from my previous job in the UK. The Valentine’s Day arrival date wasn’t intentional, but the sight of my then-boyfriend-now-husband waiting at the Arrivals gate with flowers in his arms and a proffered token of his love from Cartier, ensured it remains a greeting to remember! And I’m so glad I did make that move…

Gong Xi Fa Cai! I hope the Year of the Rabbit has got off to an auspicious start for you and you’ve enjoyed your break. I LOVE Chinese New Year, it’s the one time of year when, in Asia, everyone’s on holidays. Emails and phone calls are minimal - because no one wants to be disturbed and we can all either spend our time visiting and celebrating with family, jetting away on vacation, or relaxing at home. I opted to do the latter and was a complete Tai Tai for a week and LOVED every minute of it. Not having a schedule is something I could really get used to. Now I just need to figure out how to fund the lazy lifestyle of my dreams…

While I was on my one-week enforced CNY break (yay!), I got stuck into a few good books. And it made me wonder, what’s your all-time favourite read? You know what I mean, I’m asking about the one book you couldn’t put down? The one you stayed up all night to read, remains on your bookshelf and you’d pass to everyone you knew if you could…

I’m always up for a good read and often get stuck when it comes to my turn to choose for Book Club. Not wanting to simply scan the bestsellers list, but hoping to choose a book that moved me in some way… So c’mon, what’s your all-time favourite read? Remember, you can only choose one book…

Mine is A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. It taught me more about Afghanistan and women’s rights - or lack thereof - than any news report. And I still think of it and its lessons often, even though I last read it two to three years ago.

C’mon, spill the beans, what’s your favourite book?

Gong Xi Fa Cai! The lunar New Year is upon us and the Year of the Rabbit promises great things for many zodiacs - including mine, yay! Click here for a rundown on what this year has in store for you…

And remember, if you were born in January or February it pays to check the dates for that particular lunar New Year - you could be one sign adrift…

Celebrate Australia Day and show your true blue spirit by lending support to Aussie battlers in dire need of financial assistance. Attend either of these upcoming events, where all funds raised will be donated to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.

ANZA Australia Day Pub Night, Wednesday Jan 26, 7pm Test your knowledge over a beer or two and contribute to the flood relief appeal. The Tadcaster Group have pledged to donate $2 from every purchase of any Crown Lager, VB or Pure Blonde at bq bar, Bull and Bear or Molly Malones from January 26 to February 28, to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal. There’s never been a better reason to have a few bevvies! bq bar, Boat Quay. Click here for more info

QLD Flood Relief Appeal, Sunday Feb 6, 11am-3pm Supported by Hog’s Breath Cafe at Chijmes, ANZA and AustCham, donate and you’ll enjoy a free sausage sizzle or steak sandwich. There’ll be fun activities for the little kids, while big kids can enjoy drinks at Happy Hour prices all day long! Hog’s Breath Cafe, 30 Victoria Street, Block A #01-26/27 Chijmes. For more information, Tel: 6438 4373, Email: info@anza.org.sg

You can also make a direct donation here or a transfer funds via Pay2Home at no charge by emailing customerservice@pay2home.com or calling 6372 2474 and letting them know you’d like to contribute to the "Queensland Relief Effort".

C’mon Aussie c’mon…

January 20, is Thaipusam - a Hindu ritual, where ardent followers pierce their face and body parts with skewer-like hooks, walk on nails and carry urns of milk balanced on their head or long poles. Ouch! You’d think these folks would be in pain, but the weird thing is they don’t bleed and appear to be totally calm. It’s said the application of holy ash dulls any sensation, but this isn’t something you’ll catch me doing anytime soon!

It’s believed those who take part will have their wishes granted by Lord Murugan - the Hindu God of war - and can anticipate future good luck such as the birth of a child or recovery from illness, while some people participate to seek forgiveness of past sins.

This fascinating procession takes place at various times and temples click here for more information.

Watching the devastation and loss of life in Queensland and Brazil due to recent flooding has been absolutely heartbreaking. Disasters are often measured by loss of life - which at any number is a horrific consequence. But we often forget about the ongoing impact - much-loved homes now requiring extensive repairs or rebuilding, once-healthy businesses now facing bankruptcy. And the ongoing uphill battle to restore infrastructure and order to those areas currently in chaos. Not to mention the struggle to receive compensation and financial assistance - if you had insurance.

When Brisbane’s CBD closed down I certainly felt for those who had to evacuate, but I also despaired for those who had to abandon hospital appointments for chemotherapy, postpone promised access visits to estranged children and cancel wedding or family celebrations. Still, those people have their lives - something to be grateful for. Particularly when you consider the heartbreaking stories, such as the woman who watched helplessly as her parents were washed away. And Jordan Rice - the 13-year old boy who successfully pleaded with rescuers to save his 10-year old brother Blake, before losing his own grip on a branch - prompting his mother to reach for him and both were swept away. Such tragedy.

Many lost everything they owned, but were lucky to escape with their lives. A girl I went to school with returned to find her home submerged and her belongings destroyed. Upon being told she had to evacuate, a close friend made the most of the opportunity by locking her doors and flew to Melbourne for a holiday. Leaving all of her, her husband and their 2-year old son’s possessions behind she said, "it’s just stuff, we’re more important." Indeed you are.

But it made me think. What would I grab if I had to leave the house in an emergency and had the time to collect some belongings. Top of my list would be my husband - if he’s not out the door before me! Then my two beautiful moggies, photos, our external hard drive, passports and finally jewellery - for sentimental rather than financial reasons. Although I guess having something to hock is always handy!

What would you grab?

For Queensland flood news and alerts click here. To make a donation click here.