Kuih Kosui Gula Melaka

The other jiggly and wobbly kuih-muih. Remember the other? Kuih Sagu Kukus (Steamed Sago Cake)? That's right. Kuih Kosui Gula Melaka on the other hand? Like I have already told you, jiggly and wobbly, but made from flour. The rest of the ingredients? Gula Melaka, white sugar if you wish,  pandan leaves, coconut, salt and water. See, I told you? Our Malaysian ingredients for another type of our Malaysian sweet delicacy (Wajik Pulut, Kuih Buah Melaka, Bingka Pisang & Malaysian Sago Pudding)? What else is new. Nothing much I can think of, except, can we get cooking to Kuih Kosui Gula Melaka? We shall. 

Garnier Skin Naturals Light Lightening Peel Off Mask

 

Officially, this Garnier Light Lightening Peel Off Mask is the first ever entry of a face beauty mask in my precious space of nava-k, albeit I have, from time to time been constantly testing out all sorts of masks. Back then, when I was in my twenties till forties, I was accustomed to those creamy or sticky gel masks that are packaged in quite huge tubes or tubs. These were the popular and easily available ones I picked up at pharmacies or drug stores. Affordable as well, and mind you, they can last for more than six months, maybe even more if you use once a week. These masks somehow have taken a back step, though they are  still available, nonetheless, with the vast constant and continuous push and pull marketing critical success factors in the beauty industry, we now really don't have to stick to those conventional masks. No, we don't have to, neither I am complaining. In fact, I can't be more than anything else be elated.  

Dubai - One Day Tour

Plan all your want for an uninterrupted holiday, whether on your own or in a tour, sometimes somethings are bound to happen for catching us off guard. Believe me. I honestly know what I am talking about, I hope you are not doubting me. Look, I am in no way trying to brag. Of course not, for someone like me who have already trigger started seeing the world, I do come with my share of the interrupted and unexpected. It all started during my first ever, yes, my first, across the sea Italy holiday (Rome 2 Days) with my other half-half whereby the interrupted caught up with us when our coach broke down. By the time help came and coach was back like a transformer, we had to ditch aside Milan sightseeing (Verona & Milan). Akin gone forever, unless I make another trip to Milan. Then came my Malacca holiday (Philea Resort). Another first time ever, yes, my first out of my house exploring another place compared to all the years of staying put on my familiar ground, the couple I travelled with did open my mind on why it is important to travel with the right people. They of course were not, hell, not only I had to spend my money, the worst of it was putting up with their antic (Malacca Malaysia Part 2). Nevertheless, I must thank them. Otherwise, I wouldn't even have considered travelling on my  own. Solo and Nava K.

Pudina/Mint Chutney

I must take off my hat to my mum and her cooking. She can be hours in the kitchen for pounding, grinding and doing whatever it takes for preparing a meal for us. But lemme tell you that I don't think I want to be like her. Not in the sense of cooking a meal for the two of us, but hours in my kitchen can literally kill me softly and slowly (Chilli Hummus, Tamatar ki Chutney, Avocado Dip & Mango Chutney). Honestly, unlike those days, try being in your kitchen for just an hour and see how you sweat drip? The weather. Climate change and the heat is on forever even when its raining or thereafter. Moreover, I think I am one of those who sweat for no apparent reason and twenty fours a day just like that. Thus, I keep it as short as possible in cooking. Take this Pudina/Mint Chutney as an example. Made in the jiffy in the blender. Into the blender went sauteed together mint leaves (Mint Chutney), dried chillies and white dal. Next, tipping in oil, yogurt (Curd Chutney) and salt before pulsing for this minty and tangy Pudina Mint Chutney (Nasi Pudina/Mint Rice). An accompaniment as a side for our rice meals or have it your way.  

Malaysian Rava/Semolina Kheer

The Indian side of me is out today (Sardine Varuval/Dry Style & Pepper Garlic Rasam). Actually, not really today, I made this Indian dessert (Mango Kulfi) two months back. As usual, my recipes are, sadly ditched aside due to blogging time constraint. Trust me, who ever said blogging is as simple as perceived? It is not. My plate is forever filled up with endless chores at one go. One minute is cleaning, the other minute cooking, so on and so forth. Not easy right? I know. There is no end to housework right? I know again (Curry Leaves Hummus, Indian Chicken Curry & Bitter Gourd Prawn Curry).  So, how can I park myself right in front of my laptop constantly, and mind you too much of laptop staring is also ruining my health (Gobi 65, Chilli Potato, Indian Fish Achar, Tapioca Poriyal & Black Lentil Vadai).So, I have no other choice but cut down on blogging.

Istanbul - Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar (Turkey)

A full circle from this end to the other, akin we went around Turkey's full moon, for returning to  Istanbul where arrived on the first day (I Conquered Istanbul). In all fairness, its been absolutely a joyous trip-travelling throughout the last 7 days. Indeed. But that packing almost every other day for moving from one hotel to the hotel, trust me, in some way or rather did get to us (Canakkale/Kusadasi/Pamukkale, Cappadocia & Ankara & Bolu) . Tiring. I too was caught in the web of winter. My first ever winter experience, I didn't come prepared because I relied on the tour agent's advise. I was told that thick jackets will do, when in factual fact, let me tell you that winter literally killed me. No other choice, I had to buy two winter coats during our visit to the retail outlet, thank god my credit card saved me. Otherwise, I can't imagine how would I have coped. But fortunately though, winter in Istanbul was rather tolerable. I didn't had to three or four times layer my body.

Turkey – Ankara & Bolu (I Conquered Turkey)

Routing out of Cappadocia, the first stop for the day, supposedly another knowledge thirsting visit, when it actual fact the catch was another marketing and sales gimmick (Cappadocia Turkey). No doubt, sincerely, this visit of ours in Hanem Arts Centre, in all fairness, I must say did expose us on semi-precious and precious as Nava K gemstones from beneath Turkey. (Canakkale/Kusadasi/ Pamukkale & Istanbul) Honestly, we did gather some knowledge on how stones are carefully harvested and cut-shined-polished, thereafter either sold as individual pieces or mounted in/on jewelries. The best part of it all was that there’s no hold barred to picturing. Yes, you can put your phone or camera to use compared  to those outlets I have visited in other countries (Krabi Thailand, Perth Australia & Bangkok Thailand). Took me by surprise until I made it a point for checking with the staff. He reaffirmed it. Such an unorthodox liberal business think-tank I believe must be looked up at. Respect and thumbs up to these people. Having said that, no matter what, I am not gamed for precious gems. Not at all. Unsure I am if the rest bought, but I can vouch that all of us did marvel over those impressive glittering gems.