Pictured: Suzie Mathers performing in Wicked from December 7 2011

You know the saying, so much to do and so little time…well, The Finder has nominated November as the month devoted to empowering the inner you. We invite you to take control and find the time to get the job done with perhaps a little help from the experts at hand. For the year is passing at a rate of knots and it seems there’s little or no time to finalise all those plans made with every good intention seemingly only a few short months ago. But you can do it. It may be a sprint to the end of what has been a marathon year, but now is your chance to reach for your goals and be open to learn what others have to share when dealing with the challenges life may present.

                So, with 2011 rapidly drawing to a close (who can believe it?) the aim is to be realistic in your planning so you can achieve your objectives. To help you along, the November issue of The Finder includes advice and ideas from specialists in a variety of disciplines ranging from personal wellbeing, health, wealth and finance to self-improvement, beauty, fashion and style. Plus there are travel, dining and entertainment options to keep you informed, inspired and ready for action on and off the social circuit.

 This is a prime example of the exciting and tasty beef Cheeks at Bronte in Greenwood Avenue. The Finder was invited to experience this exciting taste sensation and highly recommends this menu item as a MUST HAVE dining experience in Singapore.

Last night I was on the edge of my seat throughout the performance of The Imperial Ice stars: Swan Lake on Ice at Marina Bay Sands. With Tchaikovsky’s glorious music, exhilarating new choreography and dazzling costumes, this innovative portrayal of the classic love story will take your breath away. What an experience! The show was rehearsed on an Olympic sized rink before being reduced to almost a quarter of the size to allow for travelling. You only need to imagine the excitement of the audience in the front few rows. The performances were extraordinary. Many non-standard executions never before attempted by skaters on such a small area thrilled the full house. This is a must see. The applause went on for quite some time after the curtain fell. Excellent production. Highly recommended.

I just had to share this extraordinary experience with you. SALTA Argentine Parrilla + Grocer serves up premium Argentine beef - free range grass-fed and imported directly from Argentina. Sounds expensive, no not at all. The rib eye I enjoyed today was prepared in the five-metre long charcoal fired grill called a Parrilla. This is a hot find for Singapore especially if you are a meat eater. My lunch guest enjoyed Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon so its clear, all can enjoy no matter your flavour.

SALTA is located in Icon Village, 12 Gopeng Street, #01-56

For a big guy like me it may seem a little odd but I have to admit, I don’t mind a cupcake now and again. And to my delight I’ve discovered House of Mini in Singapore. You can customise your own cupcake requirements so your limited only by your own imagination. Try the Micro Cupcakes. They are about the size of a 50 cent Singapore coin. Go the Chocoholic or alternatively Mango Tango. A real treat for the kid at heart. What’s your weakness?

Every day seems to be a day of celebration in Singapore. Recently, my tenacious generosity to entice friends to visit our shores has crept up on me – my life resembles a revolving door. No sooner does one guest depart, then another proverbial “best” mate is in the wings to claim the spare room as their own. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I’m blessed to have a diverse – although at times – challenging selection of life-long friends and past colleagues wanting to stay a while and reminisce of times gone by. But is it really me? How do I dare to think I am the main attraction when Singapore has so much on offer?

           The celebration of a nation is the month’s hot topic. No matter your race, religion or creed, national pride is a universal theme touching the heart and igniting a flame of loyalty within. Being Australian, and now in my forties, I recall one of the greatest national day events now etched in my memory, the 1988 bicentennial celebration of Captain Arthur Phillip’s arrival in Sydney Harbour, marking the founding of the City of Sydney and the colony of New South Wales. As a budding male model and professional musician at the time, I was invited to join a swag of guests on a spectacular launch, owned by some media tycoon. It was a perfect January summer’s day. Thousands of vessels dotted the glistening waterways, the iconic Opera House basking in the sun in all its glory and the harbour bridge high above, with its 6 million hand-driven rivets joining the north shore to the south. Australians celebrated for days as only they know how, with good friends, plenty of beer and seafood. Revisit that Aussie feeling in Going Places which features some great down under road trips. This year I’ll be high above – celebrating with Singapore friends – overlooking the Float @ Marina Bay and viewing the National day fireworks from one of the Lion City’s favourite local watering holes Lantern, the spectacular rooftop bar at the Fullerton Bay Hotel.