The Face Shop Gold Collagen Ampoule Two-Way Pact SPF30+++ 9.5g

Let me  begin on a different note today. Usually, you know me right? I start with my wise cracks, but today, I’ll refrain from opening my bee-busted big fat mouth. Instead, I’ll ask you a few questions. Please, please don’t panic. It’s gonna be simple basic questions. In return, I sincerely appreciate your honest opinion or answers, whichever. These questions are basically for ladies in my age group of fifties because, let me tell you that fifties is a whole new big fire ball which presumably will fry-up our beauty. Of course, the rest of you beauties are welcomed to join in our discussion, time now for the questions. How many of you actually use face powder? Any powder can be. Do you apply face powder daily, or at least for special occasions? Are you going like “what is wrong with nava k”? Is she out of her freaking mind? I am perfectly fine ladies. Wanna know what’s with the questions? 

Little Cravings - 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya

The death of my less than 2 weeks iphone 7 at iTunes angrily raptured my heart (Restoran Orkid Thai, ShahAlam). I returned home griping tight to the highest hope after lunching at Hong Kong Kim Gary, but so-very-sad, hopes were badly trashed. Albeit, honestly, I'm quite an alien to Apple’s technical specs, I braved my heart and my hands to update the Operating System. Bang! A big bang banged me once iPhone flung to heaven by leaving behind “Red iTunes Logo”. Damn frustrating. Can you imagine? You must imagine okay? So be it I accepted, then again, what else can I do please? Back to square one. Back to 1 Utama. But, oh-please. Oh-no. Forget it. Not on a Sunday. I can’t stand the weekend mall madness, also, when I found out that Apple will take at least 5 working days to operate my phone, I ditched it in my drawer and traveled with my “oh-ye-faithful” iphone 5 (iphone 7 & Fikcles Cafe Taman Tun). 

Tempoyak Masak Lemak Sardine

Welcome back all you greatest followers of "cook with nava-k".

Remember we've already spoken about Masak Lemak, not once, in fact, a couple of times? Yessss, we have. Just in case you still can't recall, please, please take a minute or two of your precious time and refer to Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak/Tapioca Leaves In Coconut Gravy and Sardine Masak Lemak Cili Padi. We have also touched beneath the surface by comparing Masak Lemak (Ikan Masin Nenas Masak Lemak) to Sodhi (Fish Sodhi/Fish In Coconut Milk Gravy), both entirely loaded with coconut milk (Serai Sayur Lodeh) from our Malaysian coconut tree and not with imported, exclusively packaged and expensive coconut milk. Yes please, I suggest you stay true to our local produce instead of taking it up on social media to profess that cooking at home is expensive compared to eating out. Eating out may be cheap, maybe, but it’s a fact that home cooked food is healthier and cooked with lotsa love. 

Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42+++

Hi there all you beauties,

How's your beauty been fairing from last time I introduce to you a couple of products? Sincerely, if you want me to speak on your behalf, from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely hope you have not neglected your pride and joy skin (L'Oreal Hydrafresh Night Mask-In Jelly). Before I introduce my beauty in regard to Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream (No 31, Golden Beige), allow me to debunk our grandmothers theory that caring for our skin should be secondary compared to slogging for the happiness of our husbands and kids. Oh, dear me!  You know what I think? I seriously think we should ignore grandma’s theory but we must still shower her and our family with bundles of love. However, please don’t allow anyone to come in between your glowing beauty flame. Remember, no one have the right to stop you from caring for your beauty and no one should stop you from wearing make-up.   

Trivandrum - Part 2 (Kerala Day 4)

I was already out of bed by 6.00 am for two obvious reasons. First, of course the trill, which hopefully will come with some fancy frill, of looking forward to what’s gonna Lo and Behold nava-k in Kochi (aka Cochin). The other, huh! Undoubtedly, the on-going reason. Remember? You remember I told you I really can't sleep elsewhere except at the comfort of my home? I know. For someone like me who have been travelling alone (Travelling Solo When You Are Married) mostly (Super Star Libra Cruise, Dubai & Chiang Mai Thailand) by now, I should be accustomed to sleeping all by myself in any hotel (Negambo, Sri Lanka, Mercury Hotel, Vietnam & Koru Hotel, Bolu, Turkey). Right? But, no. It’s still a big no due to, trust me please, no matter how many times I travel, imagination does still run wild because I still fear the “what if”. What if the departed decide to visit me or what if extra-terrestrials decide to keep me company? Sure, all lights are on alert mode throughout the night, the other assurance is my Lord Ganesha statue. Yet, I toss and turn all night long, maybe I sleep 3 hours the most. Sigh!!

Hong Kong Kim Gary - I Utama, Petaling Jaya

In case if you have been wondering what's my latest social status of my Iphone 7, let me tell you that it’s been hell. Yesssss, grrrr!! Literally hell. As it is, IPhone 7 kept rebooting (Restoran Orkid Thai), by the 5th day, our love for each grew apart because phone shuts down randomly and wouldn't wake up until I force. Obviously, I should be fuming right? I must. Anyway, that is that, I then consulted my so-called iPhone specialist friends, yet, eventually, all roads basically arrowed, arrow yea, to iPhone service centers. Pretty much a sensible advice, instead of heading to Machine Mid Valley where I knew my patience will be massively tested to await in the long line, I drove to Mac City 1 Utama. Honestly, wasn’t a joy ride, all the way from Shah Alam via the crazy Saturday late morning jam. Later, the common craziness we all go through, parking before anyone quickly intercepted and walking between the uncontrollable spoiled brag kids who think it’s so hilarious to run up and down wildly at the glory of their parents.

Annie's Way Arbutin + Hyaluronic Brightening Jelly Mask

No, no. Not your way. Not my way. Neither our grandma's beauty way. It’s Annie’s Way. Who is Annie by the way? I don’t know. I only know that Annie’s Way Arbutin and Hyaluronic Acid Brightening Jelly Mask I bought at Sasa Sunway Pyramid (RM71.00) is made in Taiwan. Should also be available in other Sasa outlets, this mask amongst Annie’s other types of masks was suggested since I was only keen in a creamy or jelly mask. I said yes! Why not? Sounded price worthy for lightening (TheBalm timeBalm) my not so obvious dark patches below my mouth area, hopefully it will also put a tip top look on my top-to-toe overall beauty I've been paranoid as in to gear up and down for the family wedding (more at MaybellineLipstick). That on my side, to all you ladies in the same boat, the "age boat" we are sailing through our fifties beauty zone, hop on board ladies. Trend alongside “beauty with nava-k” to find out if this mask can be your beauty elegance.    

Maybelline Color Sensational Velvet Matte Lipstick

Beauty advisers I realise tend to talk hell of lot as though beauty is at our finger tips. These so called "Ms or Mr Know It All" generally preach that “fifties is the new thirties", hei-hello!! I like to believe so. If I had lotsa money, if I am a superstar, if I have bags of beauty goodies like them or if I am a lady of leisure, of course looking forever young forever is absolute. But the real-time reality seriously is otherwise. For the ordinary women like me or for every other ordinary married woman, money comes first before anything else (TheBalm timeBalm). Additionally, we work to contribute towards household expenses, we mostly solely manage our home affairs and kids, the biggest challenge I bet is managing the nut-case husband. Grrrr!! Actually, I do have a whole lot more to vomit out especially on husbands, but I think its best we don't divert to the never ending topic. Lets for this moment in time, temporarily ditch aside husband's antics because you know why? At the end of a tiring day coupled with limited budget, I can understand why perking beauty with a red lipstick is completely forgotten.    

WTF (What Tasty Food) Restaurant - Bangsar

Sorry to say, I don’t like to say, but if I don't say, my head will explored into two. What I want to really say is that I really can’t understand why people generally classify vegetarian food as tasteless, boring and unappealing. Help me out here please, please also pardon me if you are one of them who, no matter what, will not or have not tried a pure, true vegetarian delight. Anyway, it’s not for me to decide on the type of food you should pleasure into, neither do I intend to change the mind set of those who have pulled a brake forever to a vegetarian meal. In that regard as well, I am not referring to the countless ordinary vegetarian food you can just walk out and get anywhere these days. I am certainly referring to fresh vegetarian food, cooked with love and care in an up and running favorable vegetarian restaurant where we, yes, you, me and anyone will be 100% assured that food, drinks and desserts are  precisely made from a scratch without artificial flavouring and colouring. 

Trivandrum/Kovalam - Kerala Day 3

A blissful overnight splendor of Alleppey Houseboat, next morning after breakfasting and thanking the boat guys for their warmest hospitality which of course didn’t come free, we journeyed to Kovalam. At least 4 hours if I am not mistaken, Kovalam is said to be a renowned “must-see-must-experience” destination for International tourists (Colombo Sri Lanka). Of course yet to be agreed upon, yet we sense that Kovalam is gonna add another feather to our traveling cap (Halong Bay) as the other gem of Kerala. Henceforth, as eagerly as we anticipated, even the route to Kovalam is an utter reflection of Kerala’s serene and beauty of nature. 

TheBalm - timeBalm Concealer

Looking back to then, I realize that the one and only concealer I have journeyed so far is Bobby Brown Creamy Eye Concealer. That too been awhile albeit I have tried not many, but a handful of concealers, mainly for masking my dark circles. Regarded as an essential under eye fixer for women in my age group of 50s, please ladies, try to invest in a concealer because we don’t want the challenging 50 and more years we have gone through in marriage, or marriages, whichever is applicable, career, raising kids and managing the home, as I like to put it, holding the fort together, to reflect on our eye area. Of course, no doubt, we must be proud of our achievements, which presumably didn’t fall from the sky, yet, let me gently remind you again. Please don't allow the monstrous dark circles (Suisse Programme Cellular Revitalizing Eye Mask) massively wrack your beauty.  

Suisse Programme Cellular Revitalizing Eye Mask

I wish. I sincerely wish I can keep it simple for my weekly beauty routine. Simple in the sense that I don’t have to invest in “above my budget” eye masks to treat my under eye dark circles. But as I have said before, if not all, some affordable ones (Skinlite Cooling Cucumber Pads & Body Reviver Duo) don’t do much justice. Obviously, because I am not a sweet young thing anymore, as much I like to, I can't stop the aging process and more importantly, I am among the many who struggle with sleeping and coming with it stress. Not making it any easier is the hours in front of the laptop which definitely has taken a toll on my appearance. However, all is not the end of the road. Caring for my overall beauty is still a priority. Point blank said, I want to look good for my age. 

Restoran Orkid Thai - Section 9, Shah Alam

By the third day, Iphone 7 started showing its dark side. Really a terrifying-horrible shocking discovery, it kept rebooting every now and then for no apparent reason. Obviously, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Duh! Its a brand new phone I paid from  my savings (Da De Bak Kut Teh Subang Jaya), never ever have I encountered such a problem with my previous faithfully yours 6 year old Iphone 5. Absolutely heart wracking, I really couldn’t find the time (Karaikudi Chicken Curry & Fikcles Cafe Taman Tun) to rush to the service centre amidst the busyness of getting ready for the family wedding and another travel venture (Oats Fried Prawns). Keeping my fingers crossed, hoping it’s just a minor teething problem, I went ahead with shopping nearby Plaza Shah Alam and Plaza Masalam. Accompanied by my niece, we bought a couple of things and then of course, naturally, shopping is more or less regarded as synonymous with hunger throne.  

Fikcles Cafe - Taman Tun, Kuala Lumpur

I thought. I really thought I had it all well planned for the week. But when plans came tumbling down mainly because hand phone mattered the most (Iphone 7), everything else was an unexpected domino effect. Certainly not positively, not for the best and one which literally drained off my energy (Da De Bak Kut Teh). Still, I couldn't possibly ignore neither cancel the rest of the plans for the following week as well. With a list of back to back things in line, I  went ahead to cook  for “close to my heart” friend (Karaikudi Kozhi Kuzhumbu/Chicken Curry) and later, shopping for a couple of hours to gear up for the family wedding.  

Karaikudi Kozhi Kuzhumbu/Chicken Curry

Waking up feeling rather exhausted because of the previous day of sorting out my phone (Iphone 7), it then struck my mind I am suppose to cook for a good friend of mine. Of course it was purely my own decision and not forced to, albeit still in daze coping with my stress level (Da De Bak Kut Teh), I immediately got down to cooking. Well, I believe a promise is a promise and must be fulfilled, thankfully I had already bought a kampong/village chicken two days ago. Also, with a pantry forever stocked up with every other essential ingredient, I didn’t have to drive around to buy anything else to cook a complete meal consisting of Karaikudi Kozhi Kozhumbu/Chicken Curry (Malaysian Chettinad Mutton Curry), a simple cabbage kootu/dhal gravy (Keerai/Spinach Kootu) and in the rice cooker saffron rice (Nasi Minyak).

Poondu Thakkali Rasam/Garlic Tomato Rasam

Its always back to the basic once we return home after holidaying, Basic meaning nothing is more satisfying than some good old fashioned comfort food. Obviously not from afar, but food whipped up by yours truly despite coping with loads of washing clothes and tiding up the house. In our house, generally, comfort food has to be rice generously drenched with rasam/Indian pepper soup (Pineapple Rasam & Nandu/Crabs Legs Rasam) and paired with a potato (Chilli Stir Fried Potatoes) and a veggie dish (Beetroot Raita) regardless of the fact that rasam can be eaten with literally many other dishes (Sardine Varuval, Sardine Rendang & Mutton Yogurt Mint) in all instances (Fried Pompret Ginger Soy Sauce).

Oats Coated Fried Prawns

It took me a couple of years before I could gasp the true meaning and underpinning real facts to why married couples should travel together (Italy). No doubt, of course I knew that travelling by itself will broaden our horizon once we explore near and afar places. Additionally, travelling back then was one which only the rich and famous could afford, but not anymore. These days anyone for the matter can travel. Thanks to the low cost carriers and budgeted/home stay accommodations, for couples like us who have been married for donkey years, essentially, travelling is about spending quality moments as in to keep the love flame going for many more years to come. Otherwise, because of the stressful daily grind, we tend to take each other for granted. Consequently, marriage apparently becomes more of a daily routine of fulfilling marital duties instead of towards real love.

Kerala - Alleppey Houseboat Overnight Stay

I went galloping again. Yes, I did. In other words, another of my travel venture within the next couple of months upon returning from Hokkaido/Sapporo. Supposedly also so close to travelling alone (Travelling Alone When You Married) but since the couple I met during my Vietnam/Cambodia solo-tour-venture (Sri Lanka) eagerly joined in, it ended up as travelling together. Honestly, I didn’t mind because this couple presumably are the only people so far I have clicked with as travel buddies. In fact, when we travelled together to Chiangmai/Chiangrai/Myammar, we had no issues whatsoever with money matters and getting along well.

Da De Bak Kut Teh - SS14, Subang Jaya

A whole day of running around akin a headless chicken from one end to the other all for the sake of a phone (Iphone 7), thank god I had a protein drink prior to leaving home at about 9.30am. Otherwise, most probably I would have collapsed from exhaustion and frustration. Nonetheless, skipping meals for whatever may come and go I know is a pathetic lame excuse. Yet, that was the case even though I could have at least grab a snack in between. Still, food was completely forgotten due to the hack of driving, caught in the jam, as well as going round and round to secure parking. Finally, at about 6pm while passing by my once a upon a time Subang Jaya territory, I not only felt sentimental seeing the college where I used to loyally and faithfully educated students(Vanilla - The Milie Crepe Cafe), hunger also massively struck in my already noisy gut tummy. 

Awakening Cafe @awakeningbyiggo - Bandar Bukit Tinggi 2, Klang

It’s all good and fulfilling to the senses at Awakening. Its modern signboard should instantly grab your attention once you reach the traffic light across the main road. But please don’t try to be a hero neither get over-excited like me and switch off Waze immediately if you are alien to Bukit Tinggi. I am not saying the inner lanes to the entrance of Awakening is confusing, yet, with Waze, you can actually save some time.

Iphone 7 - Its the latest!!

Can you imagine how I would have felt waking up to an almost malfunctioning hand-phone? Scary oh-boy! My heart started beating fast and I was literally in tears because without a hand-phone, I think life will fall apart. Even though I am not at all a hard-core social media addict, a phone is essentially a must to check my mails and to receive and make calls as well. We do have a house phone, but supposedly a hand-phone is definitely a matter of convenience anywhere in the house and also primarily for emergency purposes when I am out.

Taiwan PSK Make Up Glitter Gloss Shining Lipstick with LED and Mirror

Forever classic, forever in style and forever iconic, red lipstick undoubtedly is the epitome of beauty. A must have in every woman’s beauty arsenal, red lipstick I vouch will instantly perk up and brighten your skin tone. Believe me, just a red shade will work magically to not only enliven your complexion but also to boost your self-confidence.Yes ladies, trust me. Red on your lips indeed does wonders to your bare skin, it complements your features and when paired with just a stroke of dark eye liner, you are on the go.    

Palak Chloe (Spinach & Chickpea Curry)

I really-really don't get it why women insist on a big-modern-stylish kitchen prior to settling down. Really, it does not make sense, but you know what? Just leave it to this current generation of women power. They, yes they or perhaps also slyly instigated by their modern trendy mums, women these days somehow have mastered the art of fine tuning their future husbands for a beautiful kitchen. Included in the marriage package of course must be a proposal in Switzerland or Swaziland, wedding pictures taken closest to Eiffel Tower, or Buckingham Palace or the least should be at now not so popular Taiwan romance. Also, wedding possibly be held in a posh venue with at least 500 people and marriage must come with nothing less than a fully furnished house (more at Chilli Coriander Steamed Fish).

Sapporo/Hokkaido - Japan (Day 6)

A disappointing start on Day 6, our half a day sightseeing unfortunately was cancelled due to Sapporo's (Otaru Day 5) forecasted winter storm. In fact, we were told to be prepared for delay in returning home next morning if at all the unfavorable weather continues. Hence, on this day, we couldn't visit "Okurayama Viewing Point", the venue for sky jumping event in 1972 Winter Olympic Games, also a no go to the entire Sapporo city (Sapporo Day 4) from atop the peak and to Sapporo Shrine located in Maruyama Park. I of course was expressively upset because for me sightseeing (Noboribetsu Day 3) is utmostly the real-true pleasure of travelling more than anything else (Vietnam/Cambodia). Even so, as a seasoned traveller (Solo Travel To Bangkok & Govindas Perth), I have accepted that "expecting the unexpected" is not only part and parcel of travelling but one which (Lake Como Switzerland) has moulded me to be a resilient traveller (Sri Lanka & Myanmar/Chiang Rai).

Vegan Thai Fried Rice

Officially Deepavali/Festival of Lights is over. Unless of course if you are rich, then every day is a festival or an occasion to be merry. For ordinary people like me, its naturally back to the reality of the daily grind and saving until next year's festival. Nonetheless, have you noticed that Hindus have stepped up another level by celebrating Christmas as well? Yes everyone. Believe me. That's the trend now albeit I am not referring to those who have boxed-up their Hinduism roots to usher Christmas, Boxing Day, Thanksgiving and Easter once they migrate to Western countries, neither do I want to speak about those who have converted to Christianity.

L'Oreal Hydrafresh Hydration + Antiox Active Night Mask-In Jelly

Logically, we all must sleep. Whether we sleep throughout the day because we just refuse to work or because we are born with a diamond spoon, or goodnight is only at night, bottom line, sleep plays a vital role for our health and well-being. However, because of the 24 hours 365 days social media live streaming, sleep is no longer important for some people I know. For people like me, shutting down for the day is really a struggle. Even so, I don't stay up late. By 12am, I am in bed. Never mind to tossing and turning all night long or sleeping for 4 to 5 hours, rest assured, prior to switching off the lights, my skin has been nourished. At least a night cream (L'Oreal Revealing Soothing Night Cream) and an eye cream (L'Oreal Revitalift Eye Cream) for every woman there, for those who have crossed the big five boundary like me, please don't  neglect your night-time beauty routine. Remember, night care (MAC Mineral Moisture Eye Cream) is essential for maintaining our beauty now and forever.   

Gather Gather Kitchen - Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam

A true and true food connoisseur won’t mind travelling the distance for good food. Distance again of course is debatable. A few miles, a thousand miles or millions of miles, in all fairness, really, it depends on you. Basically, you call the shots. While you are still at figuring out the number of miles for your next meal, how about a trip to the heart of Kota Kemuning, specifically to Gather Gather Kitchen? Hi there, hello everyone. Welcome to my territory. The once boring, sleepy and lifeless township I regretted moving in 13 years ago and where I almost went mad as well. Well, except for coffee shops, McDonalds and a few cafes, nothing much to speak about Kota Kemuning. Oh, maybe, perhaps, I must also mention that Kota Kemuning was or is still perceived as the ground for the rich and famous. Actually, I don't think so. Its perception. I don't live in a bungalow, not even a semi-d, neither do I crazily speed around in a posh car. 

Moom Sabai Restaurant - Taman Bayu Perdana (Klang)

Indian food again for dinner (A MuthuHouse of Briyani)? Nooo! Of course not. Impossible (more at Hua Xing Restaurant). Thai food at the close by Moon Sabai Restaurant, also, a familiar ground for my friend we agreed should be the take. Absolutely (Thai Thai Sunway), anytime for the truly loved quintessential Thai flavours (Thai Green Crab Curry & Thai Laksa),  thankfully the route to Moom Sabai was not through the massive jam across the shop lots on this Friday late evening. But, quite frustrating it was driving via the inner roads haphazardly double parked almost all the way from the apartments behind. Anyway, instead of the typical Malaysian mentality of double parking albeit availability of parking further up, we somehow carefully maneuvered to the nearest parking spot. 

Thai Red Prawn Curry

The almost knocking on our door festival of lights/Deepavali definitely calls for traditional sweets, desserts and cakes (Saffron Cinnamon Poached Pears, Kesari, Rava/Semolina Ladoo. Mango Kulfi & Rava Kheer). But really, I can’t help but wonder if people still happily and sadly tuck into those sugar loaded, milk loaded, ghee loaded and flour loaded sweet stuffs. I for once have never been a sweet tooth person (Skinny Pumpkin Pie), moreover now in my fifties when it’s extremely easy to put on extra kilos (Peach Raisin Bread Pudding & Eggless Microwave Lava Cake)

Otaru (Sapporo - Hokkaido)

On the 5th day in Sapporo, I woke up with mixed feelings. On one side, I gladly looked forward to homebound in two days’ time. Undeniably, home will always and forever be where the heart is, home is the best comfort ground and nothing can come close to sleeping on your own clean or smelly bed. Indeed, home is incomparable. But on the other hand, enough is never enough with holidaying. Given a choice, I would love to travel 365 days. But the reality check on dollar and cents will reveal otherwise. Therefore, once the practically that money does matter for travelling set in my thoughts, I bounced back for another day of sightseeing. Heartily tucking into my choice of food between the wide spread of Japanese and Asian buffet breakfast, I was up and about on exploring Otaru during the journey along the Pacific Ocean.