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).

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.

Turmeric Fish Recipes: Healthy Fried, Grilled & Wrapped Creations

(Updated Version)

Turmeric, often referred to as the "golden goddess" of the kitchen, is a staple ingredient in mine. How about you? Is this vibrant, golden-yellow spice a regular in your cooking? If not, it's worth considering. I personally use both dried Indian turmeric powder for curries (INDIAN FISH AND SALTED FISH PUMPKIN CURRY), stir-fries, and more, as well as fresh turmeric, known as kunyit hidup in Malay. At Nava's Zen, we even grow fresh turmeric in a large pot. Although some advice me to dry and grind it, I prefer using it fresh, along with its leaves, especially in my Malay dishes, which I prepare frequently.

Simple Healthy Tips for Women Above 50

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Reaching your 50s is a significant milestone - a moment to reflect on the half-century behind you and look forward to the many years ahead. If you’re in your late 40s, you’ve probably already wondered what it will be like to step into the world of 50. By the time you reach this age, you might already be navigating the perimenopause or menopause stages (MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW). I’ve attached videos on this topic for further insight, but for now, let’s dive into some simple tips that can make a big difference in your life.

Versatile Mixed Vegetable Korma: 3 Irresistible Recipes

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Curious about kurma or korma? Well, you're in for a treat! This rich, creamy curry, made with vegetables or meat and simmered in a fragrant sauce of yogurt, cream, or coconut milk, is a culinary delight. While "kurma" is beloved in South India and Sri Lanka, "korma" has a global fanbase, spanning North India (SHIMLA HIMALAYAN GEM & CHANDIGARH URBAN MARVELS), Pakistan, Bangladesh, and even the UK and Middle East. Each version brings its own regional flair, creating a dish that's both aromatic and universally loved.

Essential Gardening Tips for Beginners

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Congrats on taking the first step toward gardening (GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS). Whether you're working with a small patch or a larger plot, it’s always exciting to start your own garden. After cleaning up your plot, it’s time to dive into some essential gardening tips for beginners. Let’s get started.

 

Define Your Garden's Concept

It’s helpful to have a rough idea of the concept or theme for your garden. If you’re still deciding, don’t worry. A clear concept will give you direction as you begin. For instance, my garden’s theme is Zen, which led me to incorporate bamboo plants, stones, and pebbles. You could also choose a modern, traditional, or minimalistic theme. Without a clear concept, you may be planting without direction, so it’s worth spending some time thinking about what resonates with you.

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!

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.

Nasi Ulam: 3 Easy Malaysian Herbs Rice Recipes

What’s not to love about Nasi Ulam, or our Malaysian herbs rice? I have three delicious variations to share with you. What makes these variations special? All the herbs are grown in Nava’s Zen. There’s nothing quite like using your own harvest in these Nasi Ulam dishes! Oh, before I forget, these variations are all vegetarian and vegan as well (EASY POTATO SAMBAL/SAMBAL KENTANG).

 

If you can’t find all the herbs, that’s okay - just use what’s available. Cooking is about making do with what you have and creating your own version of Nasi Ulam. The key is to take a moment to enjoy the dish, embracing mindfulness for the breath, body, mind, and soul.