Boho In The Tropics
EL Singapore|May 2017

I’m at an advantage when I arrive to “interview” my friend JUSTINE HAZLETT in her black-and-white house near Portsdown Road, as I’ve been here before – quite a few times, in fact. Since we first met a couple of years ago, she and her husband Nick have gone from married couple living in a black-and-white apartment, to parents of Nash, whom they adopted from Ethiopia in 2015, now living in this beachy-chic house. I find out how she created the cool, boho-vibe that permeates her home, and the journey they went on to find their son.

Amy Brook-Partridge
Boho In The Tropics

Justine and I sit outside, sipping on tumeric lattes made by her helper, Sarrah, and chatting about her Singapore journey. While living in Sydney for ten years before moving here in 2011, Justine met Nick at a mutual friend’s 30thbirthday party – “As soon as I saw him I thought, ‘I’m going to marry that guy’.”

That was in 2004, and two years later they tied the knot at Justine’s parents farm in Pukekohe, New Zealand. Having gone there to celebrate their engagement with her nearest and dearest, they decided to get married there and then! With only two-and-a-half days to arrange the wedding, they managed to keep it a secret from everyone.

This surprises me a little, as I know what a perfectionist Justine is; however, her job as a television producer also means she’s meticulously organised and as fast as lightning when she wants to get something done.

After Nick expressed an interest in moving to Singapore, his company relocated him to open an office here in early 2011 (he’s since become a partner at banking and financial services recruitment firm Symmetry). Justine, however, was still more than happy living and working in Sydney, and hung back for three months before joining him here. Their first home was a black-and-white apartment, close to their current home.

It wasn’t long before Justine was snapped up by a television production company, and what was meant to be a three-month contract ended up being a year. Working long hours and during the weekends, there was very little spare time to focus on much else.

Family Focus

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2017 من EL Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2017 من EL Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من EL SINGAPORE مشاهدة الكل
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Expat Living Singapore

Perfect Pearly Whites!

Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than \"hello\" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Save your Spine at Work!
Expat Living Singapore

Save your Spine at Work!

Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Festive Fashion Show!
Expat Living Singapore

Festive Fashion Show!

As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Finding Eco-Luxury in Fiji
Expat Living Singapore

Finding Eco-Luxury in Fiji

Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
48 Hours in Patong
Expat Living Singapore

48 Hours in Patong

CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Ticket to Thailand
Expat Living Singapore

Ticket to Thailand

Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Laying Out Memories Through Food
Expat Living Singapore

Laying Out Memories Through Food

YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Expat Living Singapore

Curry, Spice & Everything Nice

Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
Expat Living Singapore

Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?

SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
A Musical Community
Expat Living Singapore

A Musical Community

The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024