Most bad habits are borne through laziness. The fact that the pub is closer than the gym, that the canteen sells crisps, not carrots. But with a little advance prep, you can make sure that when snacktime hits you’ve the right foodstuffs to hand. Stock up at any of these wholesome outlets and you can eat to your heart’s content (well, almost).

Brown Rice Paradise
It all starts with your staples. Like the name suggests, expect gluten/wheat/dairy-free products and organic food, and of course, all kinds of brown and otherwise exotic rice (Origin’s organic wild rice blend goes for $8.90 per kilo).

Eat Organic
Two levels of pure unadulterated goodness—there’s no way you’ll be leaving empty-handed. Think dark chocolate chewy granola bars ($9.90), rocky road bars ($3) and more. Their range of organic chocolate bars alone is worth the trip. Our personal picks? Green & Black’s dark chocolate 85% ($6.50) and Loving Earth’s crunchy mint raw dark chocolate ($11.50)—buy in bulk is our advice.

Four Seasons Organic Market
Organic rice. Organic noodles. Organic salt. You got it; it’s all organic, baby. One of the largest health food chains in town is home to certified organic brands like Yes Natural, Sunview and Organic Harvest. They also stock a kickass range of healthy snacks: organic rice chips ($3.40), organic brown rice rings ($2.10) and organic corn cakes ($3.50). They’re tastier than they sound, we promise.

SunnyChoice
With over 2,000 items in-store ranging from freshly-baked organic bread (from $5) to organic meat (from $35 per kilo), this is the kind of neighborhood grocer we all might wish for. You can even enjoy a cuppa at their cozy 30-seater café once the shopping’s out of the way.

SuperNature
Start the day right by loading up on tasty treats like Doves Farm cereal flakes ($11 for 375g) or McCann’s quick and easy steel-cut Irish oatmeal ($9 for 454g) if you’re pressed for time. Delivery is also available for the busy (or lazy)—a variety of farm boxes (from $70) for fresh leafy produce and thirst quenchers.

Quaich Bar

A rare find, this bar offers a fully-equipped cigar room–complete with humidors (airtight containers for keeping cigars moist) as well as a variety of cigar cutters. Awarded the Great Whisky Bar of the World 2006 by Whisky Magazine, it boasts 30 labels of cigars and over 300 types of whiskies, including single malt whiskies available exclusively at the bar: Glen Garioch, Bowmore and Magilligan.

The Olde Cuban

Home to Singapore’s largest walk-in humidor, expect rare treats such as limited edition cigars dating back to 2000. With a collection of 100 whiskies and (hold your breath) over 200 types of cigars, including some of the world’s most respected cigars like the Havanas, you can be sure these people mean serious business. Sink into plush leather couches in the elegant cigar room with a supreme Cuban cigar in one hand–and an aged whisky in the other.

The Connoisseur Divan

Luxuriously cozy, this charming bar oozes a homely feel. Encasing more than 90 varieties of exclusive premium single malt Scotch whiskies and a walk-ion humidor with an impressive selection of cigars, the Divan is perfect for entertaining business associates. What makes this bar stand out are their daily live musical performances to accompany that Cuban cigar you’ve been saving for that special occasion.

If the recent sake dinners by celeb chefs LP+Tetsu’s Laurent Peugeot and Japan’s first overseas sake ambassador Tetsuya Wakuda of Waku Ghin held here are anything to go by, Japan’s underrated national beverage nihonshu is the hottest spirit of the moment. We’ve scoured the island for some great places to drink the stuff.

Orihara Liquor Shop and Bar
If you’re just looking to dip a toe in the water, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better spot in town since they have a range of tasting flights ($30 for three sakes) to choose from. This bar/liquor store is reminiscent of some of our favorite izakayas in Tokyo (be prepared to stand) where you’re bound to find other like-minded boozehounds. In addition to an extensive selection of sake (brace yourself for over 500 labels), addictive bar snacks and friendly service, we also like the selection of ceramic and glass cups you get to choose from when you open a bottle.

Fukuichi Japanese Dining
Skip the main dining room in favor of their al fresco terrace with its nice, relaxed vibe, dark furniture and dim lighting, populated by local and Japanese 30-somethings alike. It’s not just the laidback atmosphere that we find so appealing, it’s the well-stocked bar of around 70 premium sakes that’ll ensure a return visit.

Mikuni
A real highlight here is their very own certified sake sommelier, Sano Nobuhiko, who’s happy to talk you through the extensive list of drinks and food pairings. Combine that with a big, well-dressed space that houses a main dining room, an intimate live robatayaki counter (with only 10 seats), a teppanyaki station and a sushi/sashimi/sake bar, as well as modern Japanese dishes, and it’s easy to see why this is such a popular spot with those with generous company expense accounts.

Aoki Restaurant
It’s more swanky Japanese restaurant than casual bar which explains the chi-chi crowd, but its very premium sake list (with prices to match; award-winning Isojiman 2011 Nakatori Junmai Daiginjo 35% goes for $1,000/bottle with a SMV of +5 and a seimai-buai of 32%) is reason enough to pay it a visit. The Zen interior ensures the focus is firmly on chef Kunio Aoki’s simple yet contemporary fare; (though he’s no slouch, having even served Japanese emperor Akihito).

Sake 101

Nihonshu
The Japanese word for sake. Neither term technically refers to “rice wine” since the drink is produced through brewing not fermentation.

Sake meter value (SMV)
Refers to the specific gravity of a sake. The more unfermented sugar in the sake, the more dense it is. The sweeter the tipple, the lower the number. The scale generally runs from -10 to +10.

Seimai-buai
The rice polishing ratio, or the percentage of weight remaining after polishing. Generally, the lower the number, the better the drink.

Go
The typical serving size of sake (180ml). A bottle is four go (720ml).

*BEST DESIGN* Bose OE2i
Quite a stunner, this designer pair is slimmer and lighter so you won’t look like you’ve got winter mufflers on. Besides its durability and reliability, enhanced TriPort acoustics and redesigned ear cup ports mean you never have to check if your ears are blocked. You can also interact with you iPhone via an inline remote and mic.
$269 from Bose@milleniawalk

*BEST SOUND* Philips SHB6017
If you find yourself getting frustrated at earphones that constantly slip off during exercise, you’ll love the Philips SHB6017. Sweat-proof and washable, these wireless babies fit comfortably and securely while providing 4.5 hours of bass thumping stereo sound—fuel for your workout.
$159 from Harvey Norman

*BEST VALUE* Plantronics Audio 478
If you Skype with friends often enough, you’ll understand the importance of noise canceling mics—low frequency noises and echoes just don’t make for a cozy conversation. Released barely a month ago, the Plantronics Audio 478 is portable and lightweight (264g), and comes with a built-in mic.
$79 from EpiCentre@ION Orchard

Jabra EXTREME2
Ever misheard your client (or worse, your boss) because of traffic noise? Equipped with NoiseBlackout™ 3.0, Jabra EXTREME2 blocks out unwanted background sounds so you get the crisp clarity you need. You can also connect to two different devices and at just 10g (it’s an in-ear model) you’ll barely notice it’s there.
$128 from Challenger

112 KATONG
Opened: December | Size: 282,000 sq. ft. | Number of stores: 150
112 Katong bids goodbye to the cobwebs of the old Katong Mall; trading it in for six levels of retail and lifestyle shops, including a lush landscaped garden on the roof. The heritage of the area is preserved in the architectural details of the mall: subtle Peranakan-inspired designs inscribed on its features and glass exterior.

What’s hot: First timers in the East include Max Brenner Chocolate Bar (#01-05) and Da Paolo Gastronomia (#B1-21), giving East-siders a new place to go gourmet; not forgetting Din Tai Fung’s (#01-04/#02-05) signature steamed dumplings at their first duplex store in Singapore. But that’s not all. Joining them with extended dining hours (till 3am on weekends!) are Baci Italian Café (#01-07), Toast Box (#01-03), Nando’s (#01-04) and T.G.I. Friday’s (#01-13).

What’s not: With the exception of Springfield (#01-30) and Charles & Keith (#01-22/23), fashionistas will be greatly disappointed at the lack of options.

How to get there: Free shuttle services from Paya Lebar MRT.

Rating:      

CHANGI CITY POINT
Opened: April | Size: 207,000 sq. ft. | Number of stores: 122
Located right next to Expo MRT station (yes, it really is that far away), this family-oriented mall features a landscaped rooftop garden, interactive art installations, outdoor amphitheater, playground and a tree-house trail for children. The mall is also home to VSA (Very Special Arts Singapore).

What’s hot: Fans of Esprit (#02-43/44), Lacoste (#02-38/39), Timberland (#02-46/47) and Nike (#02-31/34) rejoice. Their discount stores carrying past season collections are located here, typically offering 30-50 percent off. You can also get quality meats from upmarket butcher Mmmm (Meats, Marinates & Much More; #B1-23) and all-day breakfast at Eggs & Berries (#01-37/38).

What’s not: The only form of entertainment here is Timezone (#02-22/23), which targets kids.

How to get there: MRT to Expo.

Rating:       

JCUBE
Opened: April | Size: 204,000 sq. ft. | Number of stores: 110
Taking over from Jurong Entertainment Centre is JCube. Boasting the only IMAX theater out of the city, an Olympic-size ice skating rink (#03-11) cleverly named The Rink, and a cool exterior of six façade walls resembling an ice cube, this is by far the biggest mall out West.

What’s hot: Keep an eye out for Francfranc (#02-27), Japan’s renowned premium home furnishing brand, set to open its doors this month (the flagship opens at VivoCity in June). Also new to the city is Eat at Taipei (#03-03/18), which specializes in (yep) Taiwanese delights. And late night dining (till midnight) is available at desserts joint Pique Nique (#01-08) and Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant (#01-17).

What’s not: Clearly, fashion isn’t their strong suit; with none of the high street labels or even indie boutiques available here.

How to get there: MRT to Jurong East.

Rating:     

ROCHESTER MALL
Opened: February | Size: 99,997 sq. ft. | Number of stores: 30
This is no hokey suburban mall. A fresh white space in lush green surrounds, everything from the colorful rubbish bins (designed by Italian firm Metalco) and wall hangings by Lasalle students to the integration of a black and white bungalow (housing Starbucks and Italian restaurant, Pasta al Salvatore) has been tastefully done.

What’s hot: Already bustling is Pies & Coffee (#01-02), with some 18 savory and sweet pies—including duck confit, savory ricotta and peach. East Coast dessert institution Obolo Galeria (#01-08) is here, too. To work off the treats, try Celebrity Fitness (#02-01/07). The first Singapore branch of the international gym chain, which looks not unlike a Beverly Hills nightclub, features unusual classes like Floating Yoga, done using a hammock.

What’s not: Hard to grumble really, though all the tenants are pretty upmarket. A little more variety would be nice.

How to get there: MRT to Buona Vista.

Rating:     

Zouk Member Card
Perks include: Free entry for you and one guest to Zouk, Phuture, Velvet Underground-Dance and Members’ Bar.
How to get one: By invitation only, although, if you’re spotted often enough on the dancefloors, the management team might just give you one.
Must-have factor: Zouk is one of the top five clubs in the world, nuff said.

The Butter Factory “Buttered for Life” VIP Card
Perks include: Free entry to all rooms and access to VIP areas with up to three guests.
How to get one: Put down a cool $2,500. Renewal depends on whether you actually use it.
Must-have factor: Members also enjoy privileges at popular overseas clubs such as Seoul’s Club Ellui, Bangkok’s Bed Supperclub and Jakarta’s Equinox, although you only get up to 10 percent off drinks—bummer.

St. James Membership Card
Perks include: Special drink promotions and free entry for the member and up to seven guests at all their clubs including Powerhouse, Movida and Dragonfly.
How to get one: Hand over $388 and you’re in (for a year).
Must-have factor: How’s “a single card with access to seven different clubs” for good reason?

Filter Membership Card
Perks include: Free entry for you and a guest list of up to 15 guests.
How to get one: By invitation only. But again, like Zouk, frequent the joint often enough and you’re likely to get one.
Must-have factor: VIP access to top overseas night spots like Hong Kong’s Prive and Bali’s H’uu Bar; priority dining reservations and preferred rates at exclusive hotels overseas. Now we’re talking.

I’m inspired by ordinary people who accomplish the seemingly impossible by setting their mind to it.

I won’t live my life constrained by societal norms and expectations.

I’ve been on the Paleo diet for about a year now and I think it’s quite self-reinforcing—I’ve seen massive improvements in terms of performance, so that keeps me going.

It helps that I focus on quality over quantity when it comes to food and nutrition, so there’s nothing standing in the way of me and a large Porterhouse steak any day.

My smile has gotten me places.

Hand-cut, twice-cooked sweet potato fries dipped in spicy chipotle mayo from Zingerman’s Roadhouse in Ann Arbor are like sex in your mouth.

I set my iPhone alarm for an hour before I’m supposed to wake up just so I can have the pleasure of hitting the snooze button umpteen times before I finally get my ass out of bed.

I’ve driven in the US, Australia, and Singapore and, unfortunately, we seem to have the most assholes on the road.

I don’t give a shit if guys are intimidated by me. Everyone’s free to think what they want.

I think a man’s confidence and poise are his sexiest qualities—if he’s intimidated by my athleticism, then he’s not Mr. Right.

Be smart when you play the cards you’re dealt, and you’ll emerge a winner one way or another.

Don’t live life with any regrets, everything happens for a reason.

I don’t like flowers or superficial bullshit. My ideal date is someone engaging and intelligent so I don’t have to idly play with my food or compose a little instrumental with a spoon and a wine glass, willing time to pass faster.

There’s no point dwelling on mistakes—everyone slips up! Just clean up your shit and move on.

I only sing in the shower when I’m heavily intoxicated.

Nice hamstrings usually equate to a cute bum.