Rasam - Tangy Peppery Indian Soup (home made rasam podi/powder)

Whoever invented rasam must be a genius because for us it’s a miracle soup. We connect strongly to rasam for the health benefits and remedial effects it holds.  Even if we don’t have any solid reason, we will still reach out to the Indian tangy soup. The luscious color and taste of rasam are from the ingredients - commonly pepper, garlic, cumin, tamarind, dried chilies, curry leaves, mustard seeds and turmeric. With these basic ingredients, many have coined other types of rasam and there's plenty. If you don't belief me, Google and the varieties of rasam recipes will float up. 

Ixora Hotel - Perai, Penang (Part 2 - Buffet Breakfast)

We came to Penang and stayed in Ixora to attend an important family prayer. That didn't allow us to sleep in late and we were indirectly forced to crawl out of bed quite early. After a warm shower, we came down for our breakfast. I am certainly not a breakfast person. I can't eat very early in the morning yet I didn't want to miss the spread of Western and local foods.

Crispy Fried Japanese Tofu With Soya Sesame Dip

I've been told that Japanese women are known to be the best wives. They are humble, caring and always put their husbands and kids first. Its hearsay and I can't comment because I don't know. However I had a chance to find out from one of my ex-colleague who was married to a Japanese woman. At first I was shy to ask him or I pretended to be shy. Eventually I had to get the question out of my mind, if not my brain would have exploded. He was cool. He replied "well, I don't want to get into the details but if she was all that a Japanese wife should be, we wouldn't have divorced" He's remarried to local woman and they are happy together. 

Phra Pathom Chedi (Nakhon Pathom, Bangkok) Thailand

By the time we arrived at the tallest stupa measuring 127 meters in height and 233 meters in diameter, the heat from the burning sun was unbearable.  I quickly walked up the marble stairs towards this 6th century largest museum in the world, situated in one of the oldest cities in  Bangkok. Nakhon Pathom also marks the spot where Buddhism was first officially introduced into the Kingdom.  

Chinese Fried Rice

I am up to my neck with work. In the profession I am in and during the deadline crisis, I have no choice but to bring back work home. It doesn't really matter if my company appreciates what I do because I have a responsible towards my job. It's been like that for many years and I sort of have acceptable the reality of my work. However as another normal human being, I do rattle to let go my stress yet I continue to work at home. 

George Chuah's Nyonya Nasi Lemak (Poh Yap Restaurant, Kota Kemuning) Shah Alam

I am always on the lookout for tasty foods. It can be from anywhere, the mid range or exclusive restaurants, street stalls and coffee shops. I am not particular where I eat because I go for taste rather than ambiance. Let's not talk about service because at times it can be messed up even in restaurants where you pay big bucks. We can make noise but that will reflect as though we are standard mudguards or divas. The point is that I don't mind sitting and enjoying a good meal despite sweating and with all sorts of people around.

Orange Fruity Sangria

Gone are the days when Friday or Saturday nights were about clubbing and partying. I still remember dolling up and checking out the latest noisy and happening clubs and discos. I don't regret what I did because it was fun and great experiences. I think I have covered the quota for the rest of my life with alcohol, the packs of brandy, whisky and every other concoction of cocktails. Now I look forward to the weekends to spend quality time with my other half because we hardly see each other on weekdays. I am asleep when he gets back home and I am off to work while he is catching up on his stress of working. 

Tom Yum Seafood Soup

“Happy Teachers Day” to all my followers and blogger friends who are teachers.  I am sure the day must have been colorful with flowers, gifts and wonderful greetings from your students. I can't help but think back of the years when I was a young kid during my primary years and an adolescent during my secondary years. Although I can still recall who were my teachers but none of them were that great. Well, the truth hurts but I rather be truthful than lie. 

Maybelline Volum Express Cats Eyes Mascara

As shared in my previous article of  Body Shop Brow & Lash Gel, I tend to opt for a natural look when I am out during the day. However for night outings or exclusive functions, I get all worked up and slant away from day time make up. Considering that I am in my late 40s, I don't feel comfortable with too much of make up on my face. Between the different facial figures, I prefer to beautify my eyes. Black eyeliner isn't suitable for my dark circles and deep set eyes. It makes my eyes more sunken. As such a natural colored liner like light brown is more suitable. 

Kiat Seng Seafood Restaurant (Bandar Puteri, Puchong) Selangor

The Cocoa Coconut and Peanut Candy I baked was a small  treat before the pre-Mother's day lunch we had.. My mum was fine with my suggestion of lunch together, a day earlier to avoid the unnecessary rush and push. We fetched her and straight on Bandar Puteri. By chance we parked at the shop lots right in front of Kiat Seng. Rather than walking towards other restaurants in the burning sun, we conveniently entered Kiat Seng. 

Cocoa Coconut And Peanut Candy

Looks like everyone is rolling out recipes in honor of Mother's day. I am not trying to trail the rest; in fact I needed a break from blogging. Being a mum, I deserve to honor myself by doing nothing for the day. I woke up late, sipped into a hot cup of coffee and sat in front of the TV. And my thoughts wandered back to my relationship with my mum and my daughter, the two most important women in my life. It was never smooth sailing with both of them. We argued, we laughed and we cried together, like a roller coaster going up and down. Nothing has changed. We are still the same yet the strong bonding between us hasn't been broken.

Minced Chicken Mee Hoon Soup

I was ignorant to the importance of online security measures until I learned the hard way, particularly referring to word verification for blogger. I thought it’s no big deal until my nightmare started. Initially I set the word verification but removed it for the past month.  You may not like to find out the consequences yet I had to share in the interest of other bloggers. I was bombarded with huge numbers of spam comments, from scavengers who wanted to promote their websites and blogs. Each day, I had to sit and clear out the comments until I couldn't take it anymore. 

Ixora Hotel - Prai, Penang (Part 1)

We left Kayu Nasi Kandar and arrived at Ixora Hotel. We already made prior booking for one night stay in this hotel. The room cards were handed over after the usual checking in procedure. I swap the card to open the room and had a good look inside. Impressive it was, first and foremost, the spacious area and than the clean ambiance. 

Bubur Cha Cha (Sweet Potato And Sago In Coconut Milk)

I spoke my mind on how stressful blogging can be for people like me who juggle work and home affairs. On the other hand, I shouldn't deny the good outcomes from blogging. I have bonded with many adorable bloggers from across the four continents. I enjoy discovering new recipes and everything they blog about. Its knowledge and exposure to different recipes and issues from other parts of the world. We take the time to share comments and improve by learning from each other. 

Royal Thai Handicraft Center - Bangkok (Thailand)

The next stop after Damnernsaduak Floating Market was the handicraft center. On arrival, our tour guide gave a few minutes overview and we were allocated about 30 minutes to walk about the whole compound. Before we entered the showroom, we explored the artists area.  There were many artists who were crafting fine and delicate patterns on their respective individual items. 

Kerabu Mangga (Mango Salad)

Our nation has been rocked and moved. We voted and waited for the results patiently. The aftermath is painful and difficult to accept. We wallowed, debated and shared our thoughts continuously on face book.  People are unhappy and have one main question on their mind - "was it democracy or demo crazy".  Issues are arising on whether the win was fair and justified. Ok, I give credits to those who won but was it a clean win? 

La Bodega Spanish Restaurant- Empire Mall (Subang Jaya)

Instead of going home after a tiring day at work, I wanted a time out to relax. As I pondered on what  to do, my phone rang. Within half an hour, I met up with my two good friends in La Bodega. I thought I was the only who wanted to talk rubbish and laugh my heart out over a couple of booze.  But when I arrived at this watering hole cum restaurant, I was taken aback by the number of people who were already drowning themselves and having a good time. 

Tofu Honey Sorbet With Cherries

I was inspired by the Frozen Lemon Mousse from Martha Stewart.  The mousse just blew my mind away and landed me on an opposite horizon. I looked through the list of ingredients and the number of eggs were my main draw. I thought, I wasn't sure if I wanted to use that many eggs to make the mousse. I opened my fridge to count the number of eggs available. And I saw the packet of tofu inside.

iS Clinical Youth Complex

Once in a while, I splurge on high end skin care products. For my basic range, I am still an avid user of Shu Uemura products, mainly the CLEANING OIL, SKIN PURIFIER and MOISTURIZER. There are also other products from the same brand I am hooked onto. But for the time being, I shall focus on   iS Clinical Youth Complex which can be purchased from dermatological and skin care clinics. 

Curried Potatoes

Soon our whole nation will be out casting their votes for the 13th General Election. The election fever is prominent as the banners and flags of political parties are all over and everywhere. We are still going on with our daily activities yet we have so much to talk and share about the contesting political leaders. The rumours going around are hard to belief yet I have to admit that I am also getting carried away. Whatever it is, I hope Malaysians will vote rationally for honest and sincere leaders who will serve the people.  It's a wait and see situation before the crucial moments arrive.