Sunday, August 20, 2023

Bunga Kantan/Torch Ginger: Urban Farming's Culinary Gem

Before anything else, I must ask you this - how you whiff the scent of Bunga Kantan, also known as Torch Ginger or Torch Lily? If you have, you are going to be trilled and excited to read about torch ginger, and for those who have not, I bet you can’t wait to whiff it. Apart from its scent, growing the plant is like placing an obvious shooting up in height green leaves. They simple, in other words, sparkle your garden and when the torch starts to come up, ah, another level of an ornamental nature beauty (YlangYlang). As an urban gardener who grow all things local scenting herbs, my initial planting with torch ginger didn’t get me anywhere.

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Turmeric Black Cumin Rice - A Health is Wealth Dish

There's a common misconception that rice should be avoided if you're trying to lose weight. However, that couldn't be further from the truth! With the right approach, you can still enjoy a small portion of rice and maintain a balanced diet (Curry Leaf Coconut Oil Rice). Today, I bring you a delicious and wholesome rice dish that combines the goodness of turmeric and black cumin. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds (Malay Style Turmeric Rice) but also contributes to your overall well-being (Blue Pea Rice). Let's dive into the delightful world of Turmeric Black Cumin Rice!

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Delicious Homemade Pakistani Biryani: A Vegetarian Twist

Making biryani at home (Burmese Biryani) is not something that happens every day. It involves a bit of time and effort to gather all the ingredients, but thankfully, the cooking process is simplified with the use of a rice cooker (Vegetable Biryani). Occasionally, however, biryani becomes a special treat, especially when I have guests coming over. Entertaining is a rare occasion for me, considering the amount of work involved - from cooking to serving, and not to forget the cleaning up afterward. But this time, I was in the mood for something extraordinary (Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani).

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Mindfulness: Navigating the Modern World with Nava's Zen

In today's fast-paced world, mindfulness and its practice have become widely discussed and embraced by many. People from all walks of life are finding ways to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines, recognizing its relevance amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. It's intriguing how life has evolved from a simpler time, where relaxation and navigating through life seemed more attainable. Now, there is an incessant pursuit of success and grand dreams, yet simultaneously, there is a call to slow down and care for our minds.

Monday, July 24, 2023

Rendang Minangkabau/Chicken Rendang

When it comes to rendang, the world of flavors opens up with various types to explore (Chicken Rendang). While the common rendang is widely known, let's embark on a flavorful adventure with Rendang Minangkabau, a true gem originating from Indonesia. During recent trip to Indonesia, I had the pleasure of savoring this exquisite dish that is often found alongside other delectable offerings in the Nasi Padang spread. While the cooking technique may resemble the traditional rendang, the ingredients used in Rendang Minangkabau (Mutton Rendang) possess their own unique twist. In the attached video, I shared my firsthand experience and knowledge of Rendang Minangkabau, but now let's delve into the tantalizing recipe. Gather these ingredients to recreate the magic in your own kitchen.

Saturday, July 22, 2023

The Essence of Qualified Coaching: Beyond Empty Words and Intimidating Stares

In today's world, it seems like everyone is calling themselves a coach. However, the landscape is filled with a mix of qualified and unqualified individuals who are leveraging the term "coach" for personal branding purposes. While some resort to dubious tactics, true coaches bring substance and genuine expertise to their clients. As a qualified coach myself, I understand the importance of continuous learning and strive to provide a positive coaching experience. In this article, I want to shed light on a concerning trend I've observed and offer valuable insights for both aspiring and existing coaches. (Nature Oasis)

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Lavish Coffee House: A Treat for the Senses

Indulge in a culinary journey, for even food enthusiasts deserve a treat from time to time (Signature Tiffins Cafe). Whether it's to reward ourselves for our hard work and dedication or simply to savor life's pleasures, treating ourselves is a nourishment for both the mind and soul (He Ju Kopitiam & Nutz & Boltz). Today, at about 10:15 AM, we found ourselves at Lavish Coffee House (No 16-G, Jalan Eco Santuari 8/2B, Eco Santuari, Selangor) immersed in its captivating ambiance. The menu instantly caught our attention, offering a plethora of options to satisfy our cravings. Among the array of choices, we opted for Ladies Breakfast Set (RM23.00), which came with a steaming cup of Americano and a plate of Kampung Fried Rice (RM19.90), alongside a comforting Cafe Latte (RM9.90).

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Effortless Spinach and Lentil Delights: Nourishing Recipes Made Easy

Spinach, a leafy green vegetable packed with essential nutrients, has become a favorite for many due to its affordability and ease of cultivation in urban settings. Not only are spinach leaves a healthy addition to your diet, but their seeds also offer an opportunity for urban farming enthusiasts to grow their own fresh produce. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of spinach, its effortless cultivation, and a simple yet delicious recipe that is budget-friendly.

Friday, July 7, 2023

Thai Green Egg Curry: A Spicy Green Goddess

When it comes to cooking Thai dishes, I consider myself quite the enthusiast. I embarked on a remarkable journey across the vibrant landscapes of Thailand, immersing myself in the richness  of their cuisine. From bustling markets to humble home kitchens, I eagerly absorbed the essence of Thai food, through firsthand experiences and encounters with generous individuals who graciously shared their treasured recipes. Today, I'm thrilled to add another gem to my collection of Thai culinary delights - the exquisite Thai Green Egg Curry.

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Signature Tiffins Cafe: Exploring a New Eatery in Bandar Rimbayu (Teluk Panglima Garang)

Two weeks ago, a fellow food enthusiast and I embarked on a delightful culinary adventure in Bandar Rimbayu, uncovering yet another food paradise. As a resident of Kota Kemuning, I was thrilled to find an expanding dining scene right in our own backyard. On a leisurely Sunday afternoon, we made our way to Signature Tiffins Cafe (Blossom Square, 7-G, Jalan Flora 1/4, Bandar Rimbayu, Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor), a 20-minute drive away, and were pleased to discover that parking was a breeze. Bandar Rimbayu has truly evolved into a haven for food lovers (Nutz & Boltz, & He Ju Kopitiam) offering us an abundance of new and exciting eateries to explore, including those in Kota Kemuning.

Monday, July 3, 2023

A Foodie's Journey in Taman Tun Dr Ismail: Unveiling the Culinary Delights of Alora Spices

Usually, my food hunting adventures take place within Kota Kemuning. However, a week ago, I had the pleasure of venturing into Taman Tun Dr Ismail after a delightful outing with a dear friend in Bukit Bintang. In search of a satisfying late lunch, we stumbled upon Alora Spices, an Indian eatery that instantly captivated us with its inviting ambiance and clean atmosphere. Join me as I recount the flavorsome experience and delectable dishes that awaited us at this hidden gem.

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Harnessing the Power of Sunblock: Safeguarding Your Skin's Future

Previously, I mentioned the importance of sunblock as part of my skincare routine (Achieving Clear and Healthy Skin), emphasizing its role in defending against the sun. However, in this post, let's delve deeper into why you must consider incorporating sunblock into your daily life, especially if you reside in countries like Malaysia, where scorching weather can take a toll on your skin (Nurturing Your Skin: Know Your Skin Type).

While we need the sun for vitamin D, the increasing frequency of hot weather due to climate change and the thinning ozone layer raises concerns. Temperatures soaring up to 45 degrees Celsius have become the norm. Regardless of the intensity of the heat, I firmly believe that sunblock is a necessity. It bewilders me how some individuals I know claim to remain unscathed by dark spots, pigmentation, wrinkles, and premature aging despite forgoing sunblock.

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Exquisite Delights: The Aromatic Fusion of Curry Leaf Coconut Oil Rice

If you've been following my Zen Cuisines, it's no secret that I have a deep love for rice. Today, I want to share with you a rice dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fits perfectly into a weight loss journey. Yes, you heard that right - you can still enjoy rice while shedding those extra pounds. Now, let's talk about dinner. I personally tend to avoid rice in the evening because it takes longer to digest, and we tend to be less active after our last meal of the day. Those unburned calories can easily lead to unwanted weight gain. However, I have a solution for you: a moderate portion of rice, primarily for lunch, a healthy and aromatic rice dish that will leave you satisfied without worrying about the calories.

Monday, June 26, 2023

Savoring Life: Embracing Guilt-Free Indulgences in a Healthy Journey

Living a healthy lifestyle is not a temporary endeavor that ends once we achieve our desired weight. It is a lifelong commitment that encompasses more than just torturing our palates. While striving for weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight (My Weigh Journey), it's important to understand that we don't have to completely deprive ourselves. Occasional indulgences can be a part of our journey, as long as we approach them sensibly. Instead of viewing it as a day to eat to excess, let's embrace the concept of a controlled indulgence - a guilt-free opportunity to savor our favorite treats.

Friday, June 23, 2023

A Delicious Evening Delight: Nutz N Boltz Quayside Mall Review

Last week, we decided to break our routine Sunday lunch outing and instead opted for a delightful dinner. Thanks to my accommodating husband for adjusting our plans, as I had some afternoon commitments to attend to. Being a woman entrepreneur, sometimes we need to shift priorities and adapt our schedules accordingly. Our destination for the evening was Nutz N Boltz Quayside Mall, Telok Panglima Garang. Although it had been around for some time, I hadn't explored it yet. As a passionate foodie, I felt it was time to personally experience the flavors and determine if the reviews I had read truly held merit. After all, tasting and discovering food ourselves allows us to form our own opinions rather than blindly relying on others' experiences, as our palates and preferences differ.

Hanoi, Vietnam: Unveiling Urban Wonders and Timeless Culture

From Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, our journey unfolded with anticipation ( HCMH , Angkor Wat & Siem Reap ), culminating in our arrival in the...