Sunday, February 18, 2024

Turmeric Eggs: A Holistic Culinary Wellness

Turmeric, a vibrant yellow spice widely embraced in Indian culinary traditions, has earned acclaim for its diverse health benefits, primarily attributed to its active compound, curcumin. Within its myriad advantages, the aspect that resonates profoundly with me is its robust antioxidant capabilities - an all-encompassing tonic for the breath, body, mind, and soul. Beyond its culinary significance, powdered turmeric stands as an indispensable element in Indian kitchens, diligently procured and stored for its versatile applications (Turmeric Black Cumin Rice). 

In the realm of cooking, reaching for turmeric powder has become second nature - not just for its rich flavor but also for its remarkable ability to neutralize odors, particularly from poultry and meat (Mutton Bone Marrow Curry). It has undeniably become a culinary staple (Spinach Turmeric Stir Fry).

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Unexpected at 58: Senior Entrepreneurship Revealed Through Yoga Discovery

I discovered yoga during a challenging phase marked by a relapse of menopausal symptoms. This turmoil affected my breath, body, mind, and soul, leading a doctor to recommend yoga as a remedy. Yes, you read it right - recommended by a doctor. Despite initial skepticism and minimal exposure to yoga, I decided to give it a try. Initially, my understanding was clouded by instructors overly emphasizing advanced poses and singling me out as a beginner.

Friday, February 16, 2024

Medication or Holistic Wellness Yoga: My Menopausal Journey

Experiencing a resurgence of menopausal symptoms at 53, following an initial bout at 50, took a toll on my well-being. Seeking answers at the medical center due to issues like body pain, insomnia, and overall health concerns, I found myself overwhelmed and in tears. The fear of a serious health problem added to the emotional strain, also, emotional feelings (Mental Well-Being) which I believe I have been bottling up, causing me to work my mind harder, making this relapse more severe than the first.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Yam Pla Krapong/Thai Spicy Canned Fish Salad

Embarking on a culinary adventure infused with the essence of Nava's Zen elevates my passion for cooking to new heights. The joy derived from working with organic ingredients, meticulously sourced from the vibrant tapestry of Nava's Zen, is unparalleled. Crafting Yam Pla Krapong/Thai Style Spicy Canned Fish Salad, I proudly declare that 70% of the ingredients are not just any herbs – they are carefully nurtured organic herbs from my very own garden. This culinary endeavor transcends a mere exercise in flavor; it's a soulful experience seamlessly integrated into my therapeutic gardening routine. Cultivating these herbs becomes a mindful practice, nurturing not just the body but also the mind and soul.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Gongura/Roselle Recipes: A Nutritional Powerhouse in Culinary Delights

Gongura, also known as roselle or sorrel, stands out as a nutritional powerhouse, offering a spectrum of health benefits that cater to various aspects of well-being. Renowned for its digestive properties, gongura aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system, promoting optimal gut function.

Moreover, this versatile plant contributes to heart health, assisting in managing cholesterol levels and supporting overall cardiovascular well-being. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable addition for those seeking natural ways to alleviate inflammation within the body.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Senior Entrepreneur Ms. Nava's Holistic Journey

Starting a business is like stepping into a world where people are ready to help, showing how kind they can be. Kindness is free, but let's be clear. Hearing from those who began their business from scratch, funding it themselves, gives you real insight.

I'm Ms. Nava, your "Senior Entrepreneur," and I started all this at 58. I prefer calling my hair color "light brown" instead of gray. Over the past two years, I've smoothly navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Mandarin Orange Recipes: Reviving Leftover Sustainable Eats

The festival season and our current Chinese New Year, marked by communal meals and expressions of love, often leave us with delightful leftovers. Even the fruits, integral to these celebrations, like mandarin oranges and others, may find their way into the surplus. So, what do you do with these remnants?

Before delving into creative recipes, let's take a moment to consider those around the world who may not have enough to eat. This reminder prompts us to embrace sustainable living, a crucial aspect of sustainable development. As a first step, consider freezing or storing both the leftover dishes and fruits, as I'm about to guide you through some fantastic recipes to make the most of them.

Friday, February 9, 2024

Kalyana Virundhu Cafe - Dining Experience

On this particular Sunday, the delightful quest for a dining spot led us to Kalyana Virundhu Cafe (10G, Jalan Kemuning Prima F33/F, Kemuning Utama Shah Alam, 40400 Selangor), an addition to the Indian food scene and conveniently situated not far from our residence in Kemuning Greenville, Shah Alam. As always, my husband's unwavering love for Indian cuisine (The Grand Mapillai) contrasts with my enthusiasm for exploring diverse culinary experiences (Exploring A Kopitiam), making the decision a harmonious one in our culinary journey.

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

"Sustainable Elegance: Pandan Leaves as Culinary and Decorative Wonders"

Over time, the evolution in my home has been a conscious departure from plastic flowers and decorations. Cleaning them posed a constant hassle, and they merely accumulated dust. As an advocate for sustainable development, with a deep commitment to preserving the Earth and nurturing nature (Cultivating Green Living), I firmly believe in relinquishing old habits tied to plastic, a material contributing to pollution and waste.

Monday, February 5, 2024

Asian Fusion Seafood Curry House: Noodle Adventures

My fondness for noodles, especially the Chinese-style variety, is beyond dispute, and my preference leans towards the comforting soup-based options rather than their dried counterparts. In my quest for diverse broth and soup-based noodle experiences, it was fortuitous that my other half-half stumbled upon the Asian Fusion Seafood Curry House: U31, U, 25, Jalan Anggerik Vanilla, Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam (Manjoe Taiwanese Dumpling & The Charcoal Grill), 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor), proposing it as our next culinary expedition. His love for seafood and the mere whisper of the word "Curry" were reason enough, influenced by his inherent appreciation for the flavors ingrained in his Indian genes. He persuaded me to try the curry house, and I willingly agreed, anticipating noodle creations.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Moringa Stir Fry Magic: Enjoying the Superfood Blend

Nature, with its gentle touch, generously shares treasures, cradling those who marvel at its wonders. A testament to the perpetual dance of growth and care emerged when a robust moringa tree replaced one lost to strong winds. Beyond its abundant fruits, moringa unfolds leaves brimming with the nutritional richness bestowed by nature (Cultivating Green Living).

Wrapped in antioxidants, these leaves act as guardians against life's subtle stresses, providing essential nutrients crucial for orchestrating our bodies' balance. Promising to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, moringa extends a friendly hand to health-conscious individuals.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Nava's Zen: Cultivating Green Living in Urban Zen

The passion for sustainable living (Cultivating Sustainable Living) seamlessly transitioned into the heart of my nature-inspired fitness zen, Nava's Zen. This time around, I expanded the concept to embrace the essence of green living. Bringing this vision to life required significant self-financing, involving a substantial portion of my savings and a contribution from my husband. The transformation began with the porch of our zen, nestled in a double-storey link house adjacent to our home. This space underwent a complete makeover, with the contractor's fee, soil addition, and various other necessities being covered to convert it into a haven of green living (Cultivating Convenient Gardening).

Monday, January 29, 2024

Manjoe Taiwanese Dumplings (Kota Kemuning): A Rainbow of Colors

A few days ago, while in the midst of grocery shopping for our home, I stumbled upon Manjoe Taiwanese Dumplings in Kota Kemuning. The Rainbow Dumpling immediately caught my attention with its vibrant colors:

Earthy Green Spinach/Chives 

Bright Yellow Pumpkin/Signature 
Soft Red Beetroot/Spicy Kimchi 
Vibrant Blue Butterfly Peas Flowers/Fresh Prawns 
Original/Fresh Fish 
Mellow Black Charcoal/Cabbage  ...........all crafting a holistic wellness color allure on my palate.

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Turmeric Wrapped Grilled Fish Platter: An Experience in Culinary Mindfulness

Mindful eating is all about savoring each bite as an expression of love for food. While the saying "we are what we eat" holds true, it doesn't mean settling for bland meals. Indulge in delightful, mind-loving, and delicious food with just a touch of mindful thinking. Crafting wonderful meals becomes part of your mindful eating journey.

Consider this Malaysian platter: 

A modest portion of steamed basmati rice 

Grilled aubergine mixed with raw shallots, chillies, and lime juice

Turmeric-wrapped fish marinated with fresh turmeric juice, a dash of salt, a hint of chili powder for a spicy kick

Our local Malaysian herb, Ulam Raja, also known as King Salad. 

Friday, January 26, 2024

Radiant Aging: Dignity Through Holistic Wellness

As an ardent advocate for anti-aging, let me unveil the true essence  - it's not about chasing fleeting youth or cosmetic fixes. Instead, it's an artful practice of presenting your best self at every age through self-care. Imagine yoga as the enchanting melody in this anti-aging masterpiece, harmonizing mind, body, and soul for a resonant aging journey.

For me personally, yoga has been a profound mentor of mindfulness - revealing my identity, strengths, and weaknesses. It has guided me in recognizing my tribe, influencing how I conduct yoga sessions with mindfulness as a vital component. This heightened awareness has expanded my thinking, becoming an integral part of my journey as I age with dignity.

Monday, January 22, 2024

Malaysian Vegetarian Korma Curry: A Culinary Harmony of Homegrown Flavors

Can I express how the aromatic wafts of Korma Curry permeate my home with a delightful warmth? Well, it's not merely about preference; it's a culinary delight, especially for my significant other, who has an insatiable craving for curry. Thus, approximately every two months, I embark on crafting a Korma dish, each time experimenting with a different twist (Muglai Style Vegetarian Korma). The variety comes not from drastic changes but subtle tweaks to the ingredients, creating a unique Korma experience on every occasion.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Cultivating Sustainable Living in Urban Spaces: A Personal Journey

We take immense pride in our contribution to sustainable living as the founder of Nava's Zen. It is not merely a business concept for us but a core philosophy embedded in our ethos. Our commitment to nature-inspired fitness and zen living extends beyond our business - it's a reflection of our unwavering love for the environment. Before Nava's Zen evolved into a sustainable fitness zen, my passion for gardening spanned two decades (
Cultivating Convenient Garden). It all began in my home, where I dedicatedly invested in creating a therapeutic space for breath, body, mind, and soul. The journey started with the installation of a pergola and substantial investments in plants, soil, and all essentials for sustainable living.

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Making the Right Choice: Smart Strategies in Buying a Car on a Budget

Cars have definitely changed our lives forever. After all, it allows us to travel anytime and anywhere we want! However, you also can't deny that buying your own car can significantly affect your budget. After all, it's expensive!

Image Credit: ThomasScott | Unslplash.com

But did you know that you can still have your own car even if you're on a budget?

 

How? It's simple - make smart choices!

Saturday, January 6, 2024

The Charcoal Grill: An Entrepreneurial Triumph

Embarking on a remarkable entrepreneurial journey that began as a humble stall in a Kota Kemuning coffee shop in 2017, The Charcoal Grill has undergone a remarkable transformation, now standing as a full-fledged restaurant located at 28-1, Jln Anggerik Vanilla BE 31/BE, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor. As one of their patrons from the early stall days, I have always appreciated their grilled platters, particularly the succulent lamb chops. Recently, together with my other half-half, we dined in to experience their expanded offerings and revamped ambiance.

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Plant-Based Nasi Ulam/Herbs Rice: Culinary Sustainable Living at Nava's Zen

In the current global shift towards healthier living and sustainable practices, the spotlight on plant-based foods has intensified. Beyond our collective concerns for Earth's well-being and the urgent need to address climate change (Human Impact:Climate Crisis), plant-based living has emerged as a pivotal aspect of this transformative movement. This dietary choice (Lemongrass Rice) not only aligns with ethical and environmental considerations but also embodies a profound commitment to personal well-being.

Corporate Yoga: Cultivating Mental Well-being

Welcome to the challenging world of corporate life, where meeting targets, handling stress, and navigating through daily pressures are part ...