5 Common Mistakes to Avoid If You’re Planning to Remodel Your Kitchen

A kitchen remodel can be an exciting project, but it’s also very complex and involves different kinds of components. Hence, it’s easy to overlook details that can create major problems down the line and lead to overspending.  

While homeowners often think of what they should do to create their dream kitchen, it’s equally important to understand what they shouldn’t do, ensuring a seamless and successful transformation of their culinary space. Below, we outline the most common mistakes homeowners make when remodelling their kitchens so that you can sidestep them and create a kitchen that’s practical and aesthetic at the same time.

Vegetarian White Bee Hoon Recipe - Indian Style

A timeless classic, this Vegetarian White Bee Hoon Indian Style brings back the nostalgia of humble, home-cooked meals. Known for its simplicity, affordability, and wholesome ingredients, this dish is a favourite in Indian households (MEE GORENG/FRIED MEE).

Back in the day, it was a go-to budget-friendly meal for families like mine (EASIEST EGG FRIED RICE) Today, it’s appreciated for its clean, healthy ingredients and nostalgic value. This easy stir-fried white bee hoon (also known as rice vermicelli) is rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants - thanks to cabbage, curry leaves, mustard seeds, chillies, and shallots.

Where to Eat in Perak: A Foodie’s Guide

Perak is one of Malaysia’s states where food is never in short supply. From hawker stalls and humble street setups to upscale restaurants and hotel dining, you’ll find a variety of hearty meals. As for us, we chose to go with the flow (WHAT TO DO IN PERAK) - stopping wherever caught our attention instead of planning too much. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you're a curious local (CAMERON HIGHLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE), this guide shares some of the must-try eateries we explored across Perak.

Little House Café (Jalan Stesen, Tapah)

A quick online search while passing through Tapah brought us to this old-school, humble kopitiam. We ordered Black Pepper Chicken Chop, Hainanese Chicken Chop with fries, Fish Soy Rice Set, and Petai Squid Rice Set. Every dish was satisfying, home-style, and generous in portion. Halal Malaysian fusion at an affordable price—definitely worth stopping for. (WHERE & WHAT TO EAT IN PENANG). Even as a small eater, I finished my Hainanese Chicken Chop!

Pepper Mutton Curry/Masala Recipe

When it comes to mutton, it's a staple in our household - especially for my husband, who insists on having his mutton fix at least once a month (EASY MUTTON DALCHA/LENTIL CURRY). Over time, I’ve experimented with various styles, and this time, it’s Pepper Mutton Curry, also known as Pepper Mutton Masala.

Black pepper is a key ingredient in South Indian mutton dishes, often featured in curry, dry-style masala, or what’s commonly referred to as mutton varuval or roast. My version can be adjusted based on consistency:

More water: Pepper Mutton Curry

Less water: Pepper Mutton Masala

Minimal water: Mutton Roast

Adolescents' Global Mental Health Crisis: Holistic Wellness Yoga

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zenpreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
The mental health crisis among adolescents has become a global concern, with rising rates of stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. While traditional approaches to mental health often focus on psychological interventions, holistic wellness through practices such as yoga has gained recognition as an effective remedy. Yoga, which integrates breathwork, physical postures, and mindfulness, offers a unique solution to promote mental health, physical wellness, and emotional resilience among adolescents. This article explores the potential of yoga, focusing on its holistic approach to well-being and its benefits in addressing mental health issues faced by adolescents.

What to Do in Perak: Travel Guide

Our travel adventure in Perak continued, revealing a blend of well-known destinations and hidden gems (DISCOVER PERAK: MUST SEE & HIDDEN GEMS) Some of these travel discoveries were truly worth experiencing - especially if you love exploring beyond typical tourist trails. We used Ipoh as our base for the night and journeyed outwards, spending solid hours on the road. But for travelers who don’t mind driving a bit, it’s definitely worth the time and effort (KUALA KUBU BHARU: A DAY TRIP).

Gunung Lang Recreational Park (Ipoh)

For nature lovers visiting Ipoh, Gunung Lang Recreational Park is a fulfilling stop. This serene escape, surrounded by limestone hills and a tranquil lake, is one of Ipoh’s scenic gems. Ideal for a breather from city life, it’s a place to slow down and admire nature. We spent about 15 minutes by the lake and chose not to explore further into the park’s trails (EXPLORING BETONG, THAILAND).

Sardine Sambal/Sambal Sardin: Canned Sardine Recipe

Our sardine cooking story? Nothing extraordinary. Like many Malaysians, we’ve experimented with canned sardines more than a few times. In fact, we’ve already shared a list of canned sardine recipes (SARDINE VARUVAL DRY STYLE), and yes, they’re all fiery. Why? Because for us Malaysians, spiciness is a must-have in every meal. Without it, we’ll still find our way to a spicy dip or sliced chillies in soy sauce on the side (TOFU SAMBAL RECIPE).

Enter Sardine Sambal, or as we say it in Bahasa Malaysia - Sambal Sardin. But what makes this version unique? It’s not just another spicy sardine dish. This one stands out, thanks to a special touch: Nava’s Zen organic urban gardening produce. The attached video shows it all - don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more food stories and lifestyle content.

Smith's Diner (Kota Kemuning): Western Food Review

The latest buzz in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, Selangor - Smith’s Diner caught our attention through a Facebook food group. Curious and ready to explore, we headed over last Sunday.To beat the weekend crowd, we arrived early at 6:30 PM and were the first two customers of the evening.

The ambiance? Nothing overly fancy, but pleasantly inviting. The interior is clean, cosy, and tastefully simple - just the right setting for a relaxed dining experience.

Easy Indian Creamed Spinach Curry (Vegetarian)

Spinach is a regular favourite in my kitchen - healthy, nutrient-packed, and so versatile. Over time, I’ve experimented with countless spinach recipes (COCONUT CREAMED SPINACH RECIPE), but this one comes with a twist: Brazilian Spinach.

Have you heard of it? Are you growing it yet? You should! This glossy, luscious green thrives even in pots and fits beautifully into spaghetti, noodles, soups - and now, into this Indian-style curry (HOW TO GROW BRAZILIAN SPINACH).

Discover Perak: Must-See Attractions & Hidden Gems

Perak is packed with must-see attractions and unexpected hidden gems. Our journey was unplanned, guided only by road signs that pointed us to well-known sites and surprising discoveries. Town by town, city by city, we explored Perak in the most spontaneous way, uncovering places that made the trip truly memorable (CAMERON HIGHLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE).

HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley (Gopeng)

A road sign led us to HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley, expecting just another tea plantation. Instead, we found a breathtaking valley of Gaharu (Agarwood) trees. The drive uphill, passing rows of young and mature trees, was mesmerizing - a true escape into nature.

Raub SYC Hainan Kopitiam Review

I missed the chance to dine at Raub SYC Hainan Kopitiam during my visit to Raub last year (RAUB, TRAS, PAHANG VISIT) Not a major setback, as they’ve since expanded to Kota Kemuning, Setapak, and USJ. Naturally, the Kota Kemuning outlet was the most convenient, located near Nava’s Zen in Kemuning Greenville.

I visited on a mid-week morning around 9:30 AM. The kopitiam had a spacious and clean ambiance, with about half of the seating occupied and a steady stream of customers. The menu offered a wide selection, and it took some time for the three of us to decide.

Lou Ho Kee Kopitiam: Uptown Rimbayu, Selangor

Opened just about two months ago, Lou Ho Kee Kopitiam joins the growing list of Chinese coffeeshops, now commonly known as kopitiams. Located in Uptown Rimbayu, Bandar Rimbayu, Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor, this eatery came recommended by someone who knows we’re always on the lookout for new food spots (PENANG FOOD GUIDE: WHERE & WHAT TO EAT).

Upon arrival, we were momentarily confused by the two corner-lot units side by side, separated by a lane. Unsure at first, we entered the right one and soon realized that both share the same ambiance - modern yet reminiscent of a high-end kopitiam. The corridor housing the food stalls is impressively clean, adding to the inviting atmosphere.

Tofu Sambal Recipe: Easy & Spicy Tofu Dish

Finding a sambal recipe in our space means sambal recipes will keep popping up (SPICY EGGS RECIPE). There are many variations, but the core ingredients remain the same. And for us, tofu and sambal are always favorites (TOFU VEGETARAIN STEW RECIPE).

But why not tweak and modify recipes to make them your own? Cooking is all about adding a personal touch and creativity, wouldn’t you agree? I’ve made Tofu Sambal (Spicy Tofu) countless times, especially for our vegetarian meals, and each time, there’s a small tweak - another version, another delicious outcome (NYONYA PRAWN SAMBAL RECIPE).

Malay Mix Rice Food Review: Gerai MBSA Shah Alam

By pure chance, we stumbled upon Gerai MBSA, Shah Alam (G-03, SEKSYEN 31, Jalan Anggerik Mokara 31/50, Kota Kemuning). Essentially a food court, it wasn’t fully packed, but a few tables were already occupied with diners enjoying their meals. Arriving early for lunch gave us time to stroll around and scan the stalls before deciding (UCU TALAPIA TERBANG, JALAN BANI, SHAH ALAM).

Among the ample choices, Lailatif Café caught our attention. Freshly cooked dishes were already on display - tempting and mouthwatering. Here, it’s all about self-service: scoop your own rice and pick from a variety of dishes. Trust me, deciding wasn’t easy, especially on an empty stomach.

Easy Pickled Brinjal/Eggplant Recipe

Pickled brinjal (or eggplant), also known as brinjal vinaigrette, is a dish you can make ahead and store in the fridge (HOMEMADE EASY MANGO CHUTNEY). Just be sure to use a clean, dry spoon each time you scoop some out. Enjoy it as a side, an accompaniment, or even layered in a burger (NO-COOK CHICKEN SALAD).

This easy, no-fuss pickle works with brinjal, eggplant, or aubergine. At Nava’s Zen, we use homegrown bird’s eye chilies and bay leaves (BAY LEAVES: HEALTH BENEFITS & COOKING USES) - because why grow your own food if not to cook with it? But no worries if you don’t have fresh bay leaves - dried ones work just fine.

Young Adult Health Crisis in Selangor, Malaysia: Can Yoga Help?

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work. 

Abstract 
The rising prevalence of physical health issues among young adults in Selangor, Malaysia, including chronic pain, fatigue, and stress-related ailments, highlights the need for holistic interventions. Despite substantial evidence supporting yoga’s benefits for physical resilience, flexibility, and pain management, it remains underutilized. This article examines the role of yoga as a complementary health approach, drawing insights from direct observations, data collection, and a review of peer-reviewed and medical literature.