Monday, July 3, 2023
A Foodie's Journey in Taman Tun Dr Ismail: Unveiling the Culinary Delights of Alora Spices
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Curry Leaf Rice: Three Simple Recipes for Zen Wellness
In the storm of today's wellness craze, it’s easy to forget that once upon a time, wellness wasn’t something you chased after - it was just a part of life. Back then, people were simpler, humbler, and frankly, more human. Fast forward to the 21st century, and we're all racing for success, wealth, and achievements, with the daily grind and city traffic serving up pollution and viruses on a silver platter. Now, instead of wellness being a way of life, it's become something we scramble for, popping supplements like candy and treating medicine as food, instead of food as medicine (MALAY HERITAGE TURMERIC RICE).
But for those of you willing to hit pause, rethink, and maybe even re-look, there's always the option of simple, homemade wellness. Yes, eating out and ordering in might seem like the easier route - because who has time to cook, right? But the truth is, there are plenty of quick and easy dishes that can save the day, especially if you’re a fan of rice (and let's be honest, who isn't?).
Monday, June 26, 2023
Simple Anti-Aging Tips
(Updated Version)
Have you noticed how people seem to be aging faster these days, even younger ones? So, what exactly is anti-aging? It’s not about looking 10 years younger than your age but about looking presentable for your age, aging gracefully, and embracing time with confidence. Anti-aging is about reflecting your inner and outer beauty as you age, not trying to turn back the clock.
Here are simple
anti-aging tips to help you maintain a youthful and vibrant appearance:
Eating Habits
Anti-aging isn’t magic, but it’s all about discipline - especially when it comes to eating. Drink plenty of water - plain water is best. Include a lot of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and opt for steaming or roasting instead of frying. Eat to satisfy hunger, not for socializing or out of greed. Keeping your eating habits aligned with anti-aging principles is key. After all, you are what you eat.
Laughter is one of the best anti-aging therapies. Don’t hold back - let yourself laugh freely. Watch comedy movies and enjoy lighthearted moments to boost those laughter hormones. Did you know that laughter acts as a natural face massage? It moves your facial muscles, stimulates circulation, and infuses your skin with oxygen.
Stay Away from
Unhappy People
For more laughter therapy, surround yourself with happy, soulful people who keep things simple, easy, and witty. Positive people are like happy hormones - they uplift your spirit. On the other hand, stay away from those who complain, criticize, or are constantly negative. More importantly, avoid people who show off or flaunt their egos. These individuals can drain your energy and negatively impact your anti-aging efforts.
Engage in meaningful activities that don’t cost a lot of money. Coloring, for example, can be a surprisingly effective hobby for adults. The act of coloring with vibrant crayons or paints can boost your mood and, since smiling is part of the process, it also works as an anti-aging exercise by activating your facial muscles. Other affordable hobbies like gardening can also help reduce stress and keep you youthful (GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS).
Yoga Therapy
Yoga is one of the best anti-aging therapies out there. It’s not just for blood circulation; it’s also a mental therapy that works on your mind, body, and soul. Even just an hour of yoga per week helps pump more oxygen into your system, improves blood flow, and leaves you looking refreshed - like you’ve had a facial. Yoga provides you with much-needed "me-time," and feeling relaxed and rejuvenated reflects positively on both your inner and outer self.
Yoga should be complemented by basic skincare routines. After your yoga session, cleanse your face, then apply eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. These steps are essential to your anti-aging regimen and much more effective than piling on makeup to hide your age. A consistent, simple skincare routine is key to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. (BASIC SKINCARE TIPS).
Time to Take
Charge
Aging gracefully is about taking control of your well-being and making small,
consistent changes. With these simple anti-aging tips, you’ll enhance your
natural beauty and vitality, one step at a time. It’s time to embrace aging
with confidence and grace.
Friday, June 23, 2023
A Delicious Evening Delight: Nutz N Boltz Quayside Mall Review
Monday, June 19, 2023
Nava's Masala Crab & Nandu Rasam Tips
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Exploring the Versatility of Brazilian Spinach: A Hidden Gem in the Culinary World
Monday, June 12, 2023
Growing and Cooking with Butterfly Blue Pea Flowers
The Butterfly Blue Pea flower is versatile and has very few side effects, making it a great addition to your diet. However, it's important to enjoy it in moderation and check for any potential side effects, as what's good for one person might not work for another.
He Ju Kopitiam: A Culinary Adventure Through a Food Critic's Lens
We decided to check out a kopitiam, which has become quite popular lately. It seems that just using the word "kopitiam" in a restaurant's name attracts customers for different reasons. Kopitiams can be simple coffee shops serving Malaysian food or fancier places with nice decorations and air conditioning. The fancier ones may be a bit pricier, but they attract people with their tasty food and cozy atmosphere. The one we went to was somewhere in the middle, offering a variety of delicious dishes from both Malaysia and other countries on their menu.
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Lemongrass/Serai: Benefits and Lemongrass Tea/Cordial
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Zesty Malay Okra Salad: A Veggie Delight
Okra, known locally as "bendi" in Malay and sometimes referred to as lady’s finger, is a versatile ingredient in Malaysian cuisine. It’s often used in curries and stir-fries, which are popular dishes here. However, Ms. Nava not only grows okra but also highlights it in traditional Malay recipes (TOFU RENDANG). Growing okra can be a challenge, especially during heavy rains when the plants don’t survive, requiring her to regrow them. She leaves a couple of okras on the plant to dry naturally, later harvesting the seeds for replanting.
Now, let's talk about Malay Okra Salad, or Kerabu Bendi. One key ingredient is kerisik, which is grated coconut that's dry-fried or pan-fried and then pounded. Sometimes, I make it from scratch, but for convenience, I also buy it. I’ve also created Turmeric Kerisik (NASI KUNYIT/TURMERIC RICE), where turmeric powder is added while frying the coconut, and it can be sprinkled over salads or used in stir-fries.
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Restoran Top 1 Kopitiam: Malaysia's Vibrant Street Food Scene
Zen Blooming: Ylang-Ylang's Therapeutic Delights
Friday, June 2, 2023
Personalized Diet Plans: Your Unique Weight Loss Journey
Embrace Your Individuality
Every person's body is different, and what works for someone else may not necessarily work for you. It's essential to recognize and appreciate your individuality when it comes to your diet and weight loss goals. Your lifestyle, preferences, and specific needs should all be taken into account.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Gardening Tips for Beginners
Not sure how to start or where to begin your gardening journey? Don’t worry! With over 20 years of experience, I’m here to guide you step by step. Gardening doesn’t have to be overwhelming - it’s all about keeping it simple and fun. In this article, we’ll focus on gardening on the ground, leaving aside container gardening for the time being. Let’s dig in.
Where to Plant
Start by identifying a plot of land within your compound. Even a small area,
like the patch of land near your gate, can work wonders. Consider how much
space you have and choose a location that gets enough sunlight. Accessibility
for watering and maintenance is key - ensure it’s easy to reach and work with.
Cleaning Up
Before planting, clear the area thoroughly. Remove weeds, rocks, and debris
from both the surface and below the soil. A clean foundation is essential for
healthier plants and makes planting easier. Remember, the larger the plot, the
more time it will take to prepare, so start small if you’re a beginner.
Soil Matters
Examine the soil type in your chosen area. In Malaysia, clay soil is common but
tends to harden quickly, especially in hot weather. If the soil is too hard,
water won’t penetrate deeply, which can hinder plant growth. Consider enhancing
the soil by mixing in black soil or compost. Black soil not only improves
moisture retention but also adds an attractive contrast when paired with lush
green plants.
Essential Tools
Equip yourself with the basics:
A hand trowel
for planting and digging.
Pruning shears
for trimming plants.
Garden gloves
for protection and comfort.
A watering can
for precise watering.
Start with these essentials and expand your toolkit as needed. For example, a
small shovel and soil moisture meter can be helpful once you’re more
experienced.
Protection and Safety
Always wear gardening gloves - they protect your hands from dirt, thorns, and
insects. Consider gardening boots if you’re working on uneven or rocky ground.
If you’re out in the sun for long hours, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen are
must-haves for your safety.
What to Plant
Choose plants suited to your climate and environment. As a beginner, focus on
low-maintenance options. Those grow easily and
are satisfying to nurture. Avoid ambitious choices to start; small
successes will build your confidence as you grow your green thumb.
Learning Along
the Way
Gardening is an ongoing learning experience. Read books, explore online
resources, or join free gardening workshops if available. Don’t hesitate to ask
for advice at local nurseries - most staff are happy to share tips. Every plant
you grow teaches you something new, making the journey all the more rewarding.
Dedication and Passion
Gardening requires time, effort, and a love for the process. Be prepared to get
sweaty and dirty - it’s part of the experience. Dedication and passion will help
you enjoy the challenges and rewards that come with nurturing your own green
haven.
Happy gardening. In the next article, we will dwell into other matters on gardening.
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Basic Skincare Tips: Glowing Healthy Skin
Let’s be real - skin care starts with taking a good look at the skin on your face. Forget the layers of makeup and skincare for a moment. What’s beneath? The bare skin in the mirror reflects how you care for yourself. Let’s talk basic skincare tips to help that face of yours glow with freshness, vitality, and confidence.
Hands Off, Please.
First things first - always wash your hands before touching your face. If you don’t, you’re transferring dirt, oils, and germs right onto your skin. No wonder it feels dull, lifeless, or even breaks out. Clean hands = clean skin. Simple, but vital.
Friday, May 26, 2023
Pineapple Salted Fish Curry & Pineapple Recipe
I’m the ultimate foodie - always on the hunt for new flavors and never one to shy away from a culinary adventure (SZECHUAN LONG BEANS). From five-star restaurants to roadside stalls, you’ll find me indulging in just about anything. There's no "mudguard" mentality here; I'll eat wherever and whatever catches my fancy. But there’s a downside to this passion: the people in my life are fussy eaters with endless restrictions. “I don’t like this, “I can’t eat that,” and “Street food? No way!” - you get the idea.
Eating out with them is like replaying the same old song at the same eateries, ordering the same dishes. It’s become so monotonous that I’ve resorted to dining solo. Even my husband, bless him, has a laundry list of limitations - except when it comes to Indian food. Put a plate of curries in front of him, and he’s all smiles. It took me years to expand his culinary horizons (TOM YAM FISH), and while he’s gotten better, he’s still pretty reluctant to try new things. The funniest part? These folks won’t even try something before deciding they don’t like it. Funny, right?
Crispy Fried Prawns Recipes: Oats & Cereal Coated
(Updated Version) Cooking prawns is a fun adventure, and with Zen Cuisine, it’s all about creativity ( CHINESE PRAWN RECIPES ). Today, I...
-
(Updated Version) Ever heard of a golden-hued coconut milk stew? For the Indian community in Malaysia, it's known as sodhi, a creamy, co...
-
(Updated Version) Ever wondered how many urban dwellers are secretly urban gardeners? Well, I’m proud to say I’m one of them. In our lit...
-
(Updated Version) As I reflect on my cooking routine ( SOUTH INDIAN STYLE FISH CURRY ), one dish stands out time and again - Salted Fish ...