Eurasian Pineapple Salted Fish Curry

As an adventurous home cook, I love exploring various cuisines, but my husband's heart belongs to Indian food. However, I occasionally entice him to embark on a culinary journey beyond his cultural roots. One such venture is into the realm of Eurasian cuisine (Chicken Vindaloo, Devil Curry & Pada Salt Fish Pickle) where I have experimented with a variety of dishes. And now, I proudly present to you the latest addition to my Eurasian repertoire: the tantalizing Eurasian Pineapple Salted Fish Curry.

Blossoming Passion: A Journey of Gardening, Learning, and Perseverance

Let me take you back 20 years ago when I first moved into my current house in Kota Kemuning. It was a quiet area with not much to offer in terms of an active lifestyle. With my husband frequently traveling for work, I found myself feeling bored and longing for something more. As a lecturer juggling home affairs, I decided to start a blog and experiment with new recipes. But whenever I looked at the empty plot of land outside my house, I couldn't help but yearn for a touch of greenery.

Vegetarian Szechuan Stir-Fried Long Beans

Vegetarian cuisine (Vegetarian Fried Bee Hoon & Stir Fried Oyster Mushroom) has come a long way, with more and more options available for those who prefer to eat plant-based meals. If you're looking for a tasty and healthy vegetarian dish, you'll love this Vegetarian Szechuan Stir-Fried Long Beans recipe. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor, featuring fresh long beans that are stir-fried with ginger, dried chillies and Szechuan peppercorns. The result is a dish that's both spicy and aromatic, with just the right amount of heat. It's the perfect side dish for any meal. 

Harmony and Rejuvenation: Embracing Eternal Youth with Yoga and Skincare Mantras

"Have I mentioned how yoga can work wonders for anti-aging? If I haven't, my apologies, because the benefits of yoga go far beyond just flexibility and relaxation (Unveiling The Truths of Yoga & Yoga Magic). Picture this: while striking those yoga poses and engaging in mindful breathing, you're actually giving your body a secret weapon against aging.

Celebrating Women's Curves: The Hypocrisy of Society

The internet is abuzz with talks of self-acceptance, body positivity, and living one's truth. But despite all the push for women to embrace their bodies and be comfortable in their skin, there's still a double standard when it comes to women's age, size, and self-expression. Take the case of a plus-size woman who proudly posts pictures of herself on social media in tight or loose clothing, flaunting her curves and proclaiming self-love and acceptance. People cheer her on and comment her bravery for being true to herself, regardless of society's expectations and beauty standards. And yet, the same cannot be said for a woman in her late fifties who shares photos of herself in yoga outfits (Unveiling the Truth of Yoga) showcasing her fit and toned physique.

Malaysian Wildboar Curry/Kattu Pandi Kulambu

As a Malaysian Indian, my love for wild boar has always been centered around its delicious curry (Drumstick Egg Masala Curry & Sun Dried Mango Curry). That's why I'm excited to share with you my recipe for Malaysian Wildboar Curry. To be honest, I'm not sure what else to do with wild boar in terms of cooking styles, but for now, I'll stick to what I know best (Malaysian Vegetarian Spaghetti)  As you can see in the pictures, this curry is fiery and spicy, a true revelation of spices and curry (Malaysian Sodhi, Malaysian Rasam & Nava's Dhal Curry). It's best served with rice and a side veggie dish, but don't let that stop you from dipping some toast into the curry and enjoying every bite. I mean, the wild boar curry literally soaks up the toast! Yum! If you're feeling adventurous, you can also pair the curry with chapati, tosai, and roti canai. So go ahead and choose how you'd like to enjoy every bit of this wild boar curry. I can't wait for you to try it and experience the deliciousness for yourself.

Rotkohl (German Braised Red Cabbage)

As the founder of Nava's Zen, I've often been asked about sharing recipes on our blog. While some may question my qualifications to speak about food and nutrients, let me assure you that I've extensively studied eating for the mind and happiness. You can check out my credentials on my Facebook or LinkedIn profile. Now, let's talk about Rotkohl, also known as German Braised Red Cabbage. You might be wondering if this dish is healthy for you, and it certainly can be! Even if you're new to German cuisine, Rotkohl's deliciously complex flavors are sure to win you over. I've even tweeted my version of the recipe, which has become a household favorite. Pair it with pork sausages or grilled pork chops for an authentic German experience. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for taking this culinary trip to Germany right from your own kitchen!

"Unveiling the Truths of Yoga: How Ms.Nava is Revolutionizing the Practice"

If you're new to yoga, you may have some doubts and misconceptions about what to expect. Perhaps you've seen pictures of super-flexible yogis performing advanced poses and feel like you could never measure up. Or maybe you've had negative experiences with strict or unsympathetic instructors in the past. Whatever your concerns, it's important to know that yoga is for everyone, regardless of their body type, skill level, or knowledge of yoga.As someone who has been practicing yoga for the past 7 years and teaching at Nava's Zen (Yoga Magic - Ms.Nava's Journey To A New Lease Of Life & Ms.Nava's Menopause Journey), I understand the common concerns that people have before signing up for yoga sessions. That's why, at Nava's Zen, we have taken steps to ensure that our clients feel comfortable and supported throughout their yoga journey.

Yoga Magic - Ms. Nava's Journey To A New Lease Of Life

The power of yoga is undeniable. As a natural therapy for the breathe, body, mind, and soul, it has the potential to transform your life in ways you could never imagine. But, while yoga is a powerful tool, it is not a substitute for medical care. Doctors play a crucial role in our healthcare system, providing emergency care, managing chronic conditions, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients. And while yoga can be a valuable addition to an overall healthcare plan, it should never be used as a substitute for medical care. 

Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry (Vegetarian)

Looking for a tasty and healthy vegetarian recipe that is easy to make? This Thai (Vegetarian Thai Style Eggplant) Basil Tofu Stir-Fry is the perfect dish for you! This recipe is inspired by the classic Thai dish of Basil Chicken, making it a perfect meal for vegetarians (Vegetarian Thai Tomato Soup) and non-vegetarians alike. The secret to this delicious stir-fry is the combination of fresh ingredients that come together to create a complex and savory flavor. The tofu, a great source of protein, takes on the flavors of the aromatic basil, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Additionally, Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking, whether you prefer a spicier or milder flavor.

Ms. Nava's Menopause Journey: From Medical Frustration to Finding Healing in Yoga

Menopause, a topic that has long been shrouded in taboo, is finally getting the attention it deserves. And why shouldn't it? It's a natural biological process that every woman goes through. So, let's break the silence and talk about it openly. As an Indian woman myself, I know first-hand how uncomfortable it can be to broach this subject. But I refuse to remain silent any longer. I want to encourage all women out there to share their menopause stories. Your experiences can help others prepare for what's to come or add to their learning curve. No two women have the same journey, but we can all benefit from sharing our stories. So, let me share mine.

Tomyam Fish Dry Style

Tomyam Fish Dry Style is a bold and flavorful Thai-inspired dish (Tom Yum Fried Rice) that seafood lovers (Seafood Tom Yum Soup) will surely enjoy (Tom Yam Mee Hoon). This recipe features a unique blend of ingredients that creates a fragrant and tangy tomyam paste. Unlike the classic Tom Yum soup (Tom Yum Noodle Soup, Tom Yum Goong & Tom Kha Gai), this dish uses fried fish that is cooked until crispy and golden, then coated with the delicious paste. Served with a side of steamed rice, this dish is easy to make and can be prepared using any type of fish you prefer. If you enjoy spicy and flavourful seafood dishes, then Tomyam Fish Dry Style is definitely a must-try recipe.

Challengers Faced By Late 50s Indian Woman Entrepreneur - Ms.Nava (Part 2)

Prepared as I was, the true entrepreneurial learning curve only begins once you're in the system. It's a reality that the curve throws challengers your way, regularly or sporadically. As I move forward (Entrepreneurial Pull Factors) as an Indian woman entrepreneur in my late 50s, these challengers question my capabilities and abilities (Challengers Part 1).

 

Competition

Competition is inevitable and keeps me on my toes. It's not about comparing myself to others in the industry, but staying aware of their offerings. Nava's Zen, with its unique nature-inspired approach, stands apart. Yet, should we reinvent our wheels or lower prices to capture our target market effectively? Staying ahead of competitors requires time, money, and brand building—especially as a solopreneur.

Social Harassment

Digital marketing exposes me to both expected and unexpected challenges—social harassment being one of them. Being active on social media platforms is essential for personal and business branding. However, age and race seem to attract unwelcome attention. As a liberal Indian woman promoting my business through dance and yoga outfits, I face sleazy comments and direct messages. Dealing with these disgusting incidents is a choice between ignoring, avoiding digital marketing, or accepting that some individuals in society are irrational.

Age

Age itself is not a major obstacle, but it does come with its realities. Energy levels may decline, and the fact that my biological clock stopped ticking 18 years ago sometimes affects me emotionally. Palpitations, anxiety attacks, and nervousness arise occasionally. Though my mindset helps counter these challenges, I cannot halt the natural process of biological aging.

Managing the Husband

Managing the husband alone is a challenge in itself. I won't shy away from admitting it. Perhaps, it's rooted in the cultural upbringing that glorifies Indian men, placing them on a pedestal. How do I navigate this Indian social norm while still being the all-rounder managing household affairs? Complicating matters, my husband is comfortably retired while I, in my late 50s, remain an ambitious go-getter. Honesty prevails: managing the husband is no smooth ride.

In conclusion, navigating the entrepreneurial journey in my late 50s as an Indian woman comes with its fair share of hurdles. However, I am determined to overcome them. Through resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset, I strive to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the age or gender.

Challengers Faced By Late 50s Indian Woman Entrepreneur - Ms.Nava (Part 1)

Truth be told, sometimes I feel I should have been contented as a full-time wife and mother after leaving my job as a Senior Lecturer (Unveiling The Pull Factor) And for the first three years, I actually was content. It felt like a major relief to bid goodbye to the years of slogging at my career while managing home affairs and enduring peak hour commutes. However, three years later, my soul was torn apart as I yearned to return as an alpha female constantly reinventing myself. Thus began my late 50s social entrepreneurship journey, reinventing myself, upgrading my knowledge, and venturing into the health and wellness business with Nava's Zen.

Nyonya Vegetarian Pineapple Curry

People I know, those who started blogging at the same time as myself, are no longer blogging. They obviously have withdrawn from the blogging sphere for making their presence known in social media sites. Obviously, it is the trend. No two ways about it, mind you. I'm there as well. For me, social media sites are the jiffy for keeping my followers and fan updated on, basically, my life and style. Blogging on the other hand, is about nurturing my writing skills and also my stress buster. I will, for as long as I can, continue embracing this previous space of mine. The point to note, blogging is the go-getter for improving my writing skills.