At home, we typically slice the pork into smaller pieces, and you can choose your preferred pork cut. Personally, I love pork belly - it cooks quickly, and the pork fat is said to be a source of collagen, which is great for anti-aging.
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Easy Instant Bak Kut Teh Recipe
Friday, December 27, 2024
Butterfly Blue Pea Flower - Growing, Benefits & Cooking
(Updated Version)
Butterfly blue pea flower, known locally as Bunga Telang in our local Bahasa Malaysia language, is also referred to as Clitoria ternatea and Asian pigeonwings. I simply adore the vibrant blue color of the flowers - simply sensational, wouldn’t you agree? Growing blue pea flower plant is far from complicated; in fact, it’s one of the easiest (ROSELLE - HEALTH BENEFITS & USES).
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Vegetable Stew Recipe - Sayur Lodeh Putih
This Malay dish is traditionally served with nasi hempit, lontong, or ketupat (compressed rice cakes), or you can pair it with your usual rice meals, along with other sides as well.
Chor RZ (Restoran & Katering) - Jalan Bani, Shah Alam
Gone are the days of dining in high-end or luxury restaurants for us. We've had more than our fair share of those experiences. Now, it’s about rediscovering traditional eateries that celebrate the essence of Malaysian food pride.
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Spiced Pumpkin Masala Recipe - Indian Style
(Updated Version)
The sweetness of pumpkin, cooked in a rich spiced masala paste. This is a pumpkin dish revelation - a true delight for your taste buds. For those who cook regularly, these ingredients are likely staples in your pantry (EASY PUMPKIN COCONUT MILK CURRY). Grab a small pumpkin or a quarter of a medium-sized one, and let’s get started. Spiced Pumpkin Masala will awaken your senses and leave you craving more - one dish you’ll surely make again and again (BEST INDIAN NO COOK SALAD RECIPES).
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.
Friday, December 20, 2024
Easy Fish Head Curry - Malaysian Style
This isn’t your ordinary fish head curry either. For a unique tang, I’ve used belimbing buluh, a small variety of starfruit. Can’t find belimbing buluh? No worries - just substitute it with a mix of tomatoes and tamarind juice (STEAMED FISH - THAI STYLE).
Thursday, December 19, 2024
How To Grow Chilies At Home
(Updated Version)
For a Malaysian like me, chillies are one of the
most significant ingredients in cooking. Be it noodles, fried rice, or even
sambal, chillies are a staple that brings the much-loved kick of spiciness to
our meals. While I can’t speak for every Malaysian, I know that many of us need
our daily dose of spiciness.
Incorporating chillies into my zen blooming urban gardening (LEMONGRASS - GROWING & LEMONGRASS DRINK) has been an amazing learning curve. I’ve been growing chillies for the longest time, and I’d love to share my tried-and-tested tips with you, especially if you live in an Asian climate where these plants thrive.
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Easiest Egg Fried Rice Recipe - Chinese Style
A timeless classic. The easiest egg fried rice, forever etched in my memory. Growing up in a humble family, this Chinese-style (CHINESE PORK CHOPS) fried rice was a true treat. Eggs, back then, were a luxury for us, but my late mum, with her unending love, always found a way to bring them into our meals. She knew how much we adored eggs and, despite our limited means, made it a point to buy them with the little money she had (EASY, SIMPLE & QUICK EGG RECIPES)
Ayam Goreng Berempah (Malay Spiced Fried Chicken)
The list of ingredients may seem a bit long, but trust me, it’s worth every effort. Here's a handy tip (PENGAT DURIAN/DURIAN SWEET PORRIDGE): you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. In other words, cook the chicken on the stove with the herb mixture first. Then, when you're ready, simply thaw and fry for a quick, flavorful meal.
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Kuala Kubu Bharu - A Day Trip
Kuala Kubu Bharu is a small town located in Hulu Selangor, approximately 70 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur. Originally named Kuala Kubu, it served as a significant tin-mining town during British colonial rule. In 1883, a devastating flood destroyed the old town, leading to the establishment of Kuala Kubu Bharu in the 1930s.
Friday, December 13, 2024
Coconut Creamed Spinach Recipe
This recipe features spinach, coconut milk, and
spices - simple yet flavorful. With minimal ingredients, it’s easy to prepare
using what you likely have in your kitchen (EASY CHICKPEA SPINACH CURRY WITH COCONUT MILK). You can adjust the amount of
ingredients to suit your taste. A perfect dish for those who enjoy simplicity
without sacrificing deliciousness.
As always, my recipes focus on making cooking effortless and mouthwateringly good. Spinach is one of the many things we grow at Nava’s Zen (CLAYPOT EGGPLANT CURRY)- organic, pesticide-free, and available in various varieties. Thinking of starting your own garden? You can grow spinach in pots too.
Bee Ho Ho Steamboat: Bandar Rimbayu
We were actually looking for another coffee shop in Rimbayu, but despite using WhatsApp, mmm, we couldn’t locate it. Assumingly, it doesn’t exist anymore. At that juncture, as we took a turn, the road led us to a place where the signboard of Bee Ho Ho Steamboat caught our attention. It must be a steamboat spot during the later part of the day, but in the earlier hours, it operates as a kopitiam-style eatery, featuring a variety of hawker food fare (CHINESE CHICKEN GINGSENG SOUP RECIPE).
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Easy and Quick Fried Rice Recipe: Tom Yum
Monday, December 9, 2024
Ylang Ylang: Cananga Odorata Uses and Benefits
(Updated Version)
Ylang-ylang, a beloved part of Nava's Zen, fits
perfectly with our Zen yoga and nature therapy approach, much like the herbs (CILANTRO VS CULANTRO: HEALTH TIPS),
veggies, and fruit trees we grow. As the gardener at Nava's Zen, I made sure to
include this plant from the start. Over time, it has grown tall, and I
carefully trim it to maintain its shape and size, allowing it to thrive in our
peaceful Zen.
The
Beauty and Scent of Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang is admired for its vibrant yellow flowers and captivating fragrance. These blooms not only brighten the garden but also create an atmosphere of tranquility. To enhance the experience, I sometimes place the fresh flowers in our rainwater barrel, where they float gently on the surface. The subtle infusion of their scent into the water adds an extra layer of relaxation to the space.
Sunday, December 8, 2024
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, December 6, 2024
Easy Grilled Turmeric Tofu Recipes
Sri Annamalai Unavagam: Sekyen 15, Shah Alam
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Asam Laksa Recipe: Vegetarian & Vegan
Curious about a vegetarian and vegan version of Asam Laksa? I’m sure it piques your interest! And why not? However, let me be honest, as always - this vegetarian and vegan Asam Laksa is a recipe I created myself. No copying here, just some thoughts and experimentation, and out came this dish (HOMEMADE VEGETARIAN CURRY LAKSA & CURRY MEE).
One thing to note, especially for those who aren’t vegetarian or vegan and love the traditional fish broth-based Asam Laksa: this version won’t replicate that (ASAM LAKSA: NYONYA STYLE). But rest assured, it will still surprise and delight your taste buds. Now, let's dive into the recipe.
Monday, December 2, 2024
Crispy Fried Prawns Recipes: Oats & Cereal Coated
Cooking prawns is a fun adventure, and with Zen Cuisine, it’s all about creativity (CHINESE PRAWN RECIPES). Today, I’m sharing two crispy prawn recipes that bring a perfect balance of oats and cereal - Crispy Fried Oats-Coated Prawns and Crispy Fried Prawns with Cereal. These dishes are the ultimate crunch, delivering happiness with every bite. After all, food is more than just sustenance - it’s a little moment of joy on a plate (FRIED PRAWN WANTON)
Cracked Heel Cream: Footease by Watsons
We’ve talked about foot creams before, and I’ve mentioned that I’d introduce a truly affordable option (FOOT CREAMS: HONEST REVIEWS). But before anything else, let’s take a moment to think about your feet. Have you been taking good care of them? If not, now might be a great time to start. A quick reminder: neglecting your feet can lead to discomfort and even more serious issues like cracked or bleeding heels. Taking just a few minutes each day to moisturize and care for them can save you from a lot of pain down the road (LOREAL PARIS BRIGHT GLOWING CREAM SPF).
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Easy Banana Blossom/Flower Recipes: Stir-Fry & Curry
(Updated Version)
Despite its numerous health benefits, this superfood is gradually disappearing from our diets, replaced by processed foods. Easy to prepare and perfect for stir-fries (EASY QUICK EGG RECIPES) and curries, banana blossom is a wholesome ingredient that deserves a spot in your kitchen.
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Day Cream SPF17 Review
Understanding the difference between day and night creams is key to choosing the right product for your skin’s needs. Day creams are typically designed with SPF and antioxidants to protect against sun damage and pollution. They’re lightweight, quickly absorbed, and provide hydration without leaving a greasy finish (WARDAH UV SHIELD ESSENTIAL GEL).
Night creams, on the other hand, are richer and focus on repairing and nourishing your skin. They often contain ingredients like retinol and peptides to restore and rejuvenate your skin overnight, without SPF since sun protection is unnecessary during sleep.
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Spicy Lemongrass Steamed Fish: Thai Style
Fraser's Hill, Pahang - Quiet Getaway
Friday, November 22, 2024
Quick and Fast Pizza: Bread Pizza
Honestly, I’ve never made pizza dough in my entire
life. I personally feel it’s not worth the time, but when I have bread slices
that are going to expire, I turn them into bread pizza. See? Quick and fast
pizza (EASY MANGO STICKY RICE). I can assure you that your kids or even your older family members will
love it. Here are some tips I feel are worth sharing with all of you.
Make It Healthy
Include veggies and choose affordable ones, like Brazilian spinach, which is super easy to grow, or local spinach, frozen veggies, or tomatoes. I used daun kaduk (Thai betel leaves), which I grow in Nava’s Zen.
Menopause Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Hot Flashes
Sweating for no apparent reason is an unavoidable part of menopause. It’s like feeling the heat surge unexpectedly - even under air conditioning or during a scorching hot day. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that trigger hot flashes.
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Raub (Tras), Pahang – Discovering Durian
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Durian Dessert Recipe: Pengat Durian & Serawa Durian
Monday, November 18, 2024
Shan Pakistan Restaurant - Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam
Easy Tips for Menopause
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Eggplant Curry: Vegetarian & Claypot Style
Stress Relief in Minutes: Chair Yoga
Stress is a common challenge in today’s fast-paced world. Often unspoken, it triggers negative emotions like anger, impatience, and frustration. Have you noticed how easily people react to small things, jumping to conclusions without pausing to think? This reflex is usually driven by stress, which prevents us from processing things calmly (STRESS RELIEF & RELAXATION: YOGA BALL).
Stress can also arise from accumulated tension, lack of physical movement, or not taking time to relax. One of the quickest ways to ease stress is through chair yoga. With simple stretches, leg lifts, and mindful breathing, chair yoga can help release tight muscles and quiet the mind. In just five minutes, it allows you to step away from the noise and reconnect with yourself (YOGA BENEFITS FOR ALL: YOGA DANCE).
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Black Pepper Crab & Green Curry Crab: Thai-Style Recipes
I’m stepping away from the usual curried crab and exploring something different (NAVA'S MASALA CRAB) - Thai-style crab. While cooking Thai dishes isn’t new to me, this time it’s Black Pepper Crab, Thai Style, and Green Curry Crab, Thai Style. The one ingredient that makes a world of difference in both dishes is Thai Basil, which you can grow effortlessly. The aroma of this famous herb is invigorating and adds a delightful depth to both dishes (THAI RED CURRIES).
The Black Pepper Crab offers a bold, savory flavor with tender crab meat coated in a fragrant, spicy black pepper sauce. Likewise, the aroma of Thai basil enhances the thick green curry, elevating the dish and the tender crab to new heights.
What to do in Bentong, Pahang: A Simple Trip
It was a spur-of-the-moment trip to Bentong, Pahang - a chance to explore the town and see what it had to offer. Located about an hour and a half drive from Selangor, Bentong is a small town in the heart of Pahang. We set off on a quiet weekday with no real plans, ready to let the journey unfold as it would (TOP THINGS TO DO IN BETONG, THAILAND).
While Bentong was once a peaceful town, it has now grown with more visitors and activity. Even on a weekday, the traffic was busy, and finding a parking spot was a bit tricky. After finally parking, we began our stroll through the town to check out the coffee shops.
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Lose Weight Fast: The Healthy Way
Losing weight fast is not a gimmick - it's achievable in a healthy way that works. Many of our clients have seen success by following simple, sustainable steps (HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT: SIMPLE TIPS). Did you know you could lose 3 kg in a month? This may seem small, but it makes a big difference to your shape, energy, and well-being. Here’s how to get started.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Mee Siam Recipe Singapore
How to Lose Weight: Simple Tips
Losing weight doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s often not as easy as it seems. The journey is full of excuses and distractions that keep you from reaching your goals. Here’s how to break through those barriers with a simple, no-nonsense approach.
Excuses Hold You Back
It’s easy to say, “I don’t have time,” or “I’m not into physical activity,” or “I’m happy with how I look, or my weight doesn’t bother me.” But these excuses keep you stuck in the same cycle. The first step to weight loss is recognizing these mental blocks and overcoming them. Accept the fact that change takes effort, and stop hiding behind excuses.
Monday, November 11, 2024
Chinese Sweet and Sour Tofu: Vegetarian
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, this sweet and sour tofu recipe is a must-try. Tofu (TASTY TOFU DISHES), with its delicate texture, pairs perfectly with a tangy, savory sweet and sour sauce, creating a dish that's both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you're a seasoned vegetarian or new to tofu, this Chinese-style sweet and sour tofu is the perfect dish to try (DELICIOUS VEGETARIAN TOFU RECIPES).
The best part? It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Add fresh vegetables or your favorite spices to make it your own. So, grab some tofu, whip up the sauce, and enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal that's bursting with Chinese flavors.
Nasi Ulam Ikan Bakar - Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Top Things to Do in Betong, Thailand
Before heading to lunch (EXPLORING BETONG, THAILAND: HIDDEN GEMS), we decided to make a stop at Namtok Inthason Waterfall. The atmosphere was serene, almost eerily quiet, as we were the only ones there. Though we spent less than 10 minutes, the surrounding nature and the sound of cascading water provided a truly soothing moment of relaxation (MUST-VISIT SIGHTS IN TURKEY).
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Lemon Bars Recipe: Easy, Best, and Perfectly Zesty
(Updated Version)
These lemon bars are an easy (EASY CLASSIC BUTTER CAKE) and best balance of zesty lemon flavor and a crumbly, slightly salty bottom layer. The fresh lemon aroma while baking brings a sense of calm and refreshment, soothing the mind and body.
Note
For a firmer bottom layer, bake a little longer.
To keep the
bottom flaky, store the bars in the fridge to avoid moisture.
When zesting, make sure to only grate the outer layer of the lemon peel to keep it sweet and fresh (EGGLESS MOLTEN LAVA CAKE).
Privileged Young Urban Malaysians: Yoga for Mental Health
Abstract
This article explores the challenges faced by privileged young urban
Malaysians, focusing on their mental health struggles amidst societal
expectations and parental pressures. Despite their access to resources, these
individuals often grapple with emotional neglect, overprotective parenting, and
an overwhelming need for validation. The pervasive influence of social media
exacerbates feelings of isolation and inadequacy, leading to mental health
issues such as anxiety and depression. In this context, yoga emerges as a
powerful, yet underappreciated, tool for fostering mental well-being. By
integrating yoga into their lives, young urban Malaysians can cultivate
mindfulness, emotional resilience, and coping mechanisms for stress, ultimately
addressing their mental health challenges in a holistic manner. This article
advocates for a shift in parental perspectives, emphasizing the importance of
nurturing emotional needs alongside academic and extracurricular achievements.
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Fried Prawn Wantons & Prawn Fritters: Crispy Crunch Moments
(Updated Version)
Oh, hello
crispy magic! Fried prawn wantons - are you ready for this crunch-fest? Picture
this: golden, crispy parcels of joy, stuffed with succulent prawns, popping out
of the wok, and straight into our eager bellies. Yup, that’s right - some
didn’t even make it to the plate! They were swiftly devoured by our famished
tummies. Whether you’re indulging them solo or giving them a dip in some zesty
chili sauce, you’re in for a treat. These little beauties go fast, so better
make a lot.
Now, if you’re wondering how to whip up these crunchy gems, let’s dive into the recipe. Fair warning: peeling and de-veining prawns (EXQUISITE CHINESE PRAWN DISHES) can be a bit of a chore, but the delicious reward is worth it. And while prawns might not be your everyday fave, trust me, these fried wantons are so irresistible that even the non-prawn fans will be coming back for more (HONG KONG WANTON NOODLE SOUP).
Monday, November 4, 2024
Yoga Benefits for Everyone: The Flow of Yoga Dance
The Ancient Practice of Yoga: A Path to Holistic Wellness
The ancient practice of yoga is here to stay. In fact, it’s more important now than ever in the 21st century, as society grapples with numerous challenges due to the fast-paced hustle of modern life. With the constant presence of social media, many face mental health issues and physical health concerns. Even slowing down to breathe can feel difficult.
Many people put on a brave front as a coping mechanism while quietly struggling. Sadly, the 21st century often feels like a stage where everyone is pretending to cope well. This is precisely why yoga is much needed, offering a path to holistic wellness that is essential in today’s world.
Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Just 8 ingredients to make this Easy Pumpkin Soup! Except for buying the pumpkin, chances are you already have the rest of the ingredients i...
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(Updated Version) Simplicity shines in Sodhi, the Indian coconut milk stew. This much-loved dish also finds a cherished place in cuisines fr...
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(Updated Version) For an urban gardener like me, growing veggies, herbs, and fruits is incredibly fulfilling. These are for our own cons...
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(Updated Version) Every beloved and timeless dish, salted fish curry is something I’ve made countless times. Each time, there’s a twist that...