One-Day Dubai Adventure: Must-See Attractions & Desert Safari

One of those unexpected twists turned into an adventure I didn’t see coming. After boarding my flight in Turkey (TURKEY TRAVELGRAM: BEYOND BORDERS), everything seemed ready to go, but the plane decided to stay grounded for almost an hour. Passengers scratched their heads as vague announcements about “technical hiccups” left us wondering when we’d finally take off. Two hours later, we were airborne, but by the time we landed in Dubai, my connecting flight to KLIA had already left - oh dear! With nothing to do but wait, I learned the next flight wouldn’t be until the same time the next day.

Here’s where the plot thickens! The airline sorted out a one-day stay at the Copthorne Hotel Dubai, complete with three meals to keep us fueled. While waiting for the room allocation, I made friends with the rest of the passengers, and with a tour agent in sight, we inquired about tours and agreed on a half-day Dubai city tour. We also booked the famed Sunset Desert Safari for later. Sometimes, a travel hiccup can turn into a thrilling adventure - let the journey continue.

Vegetarian Noodle Soup: Chinese Choices and Variations

(Updated Version)

Did you know that soup can nourish not just the body, but also the breath, mind, and soul? This is the essence of Zen cuisine - a mindful way of eating where simplicity and harmony are at the heart of every meal (5 EASY VEGETARIAN RECIPES).

 

There’s something almost magical about a Chinese soup infused with herbs, veggies, and ladled over tender noodles. The flavors blend together in a sensational way. While I’m not strictly vegetarian, I enjoy both meat (like my Chinese Herbal Pork Soup) and meatless meals. Nothing beats the depth of flavor from a homemade vegetable stock, which is key to a truly nourishing bowl.

Foot Creams: Honest Reviews for Dry Skin & Cracked Heels

How are your feet doing? Mine have already become rough, tough, and full of character, with lines and wrinkles forming a natural pattern. Honestly, I don't mind the wrinkling - people rarely notice my feet. Well, maybe they do when I’m conducting yoga sessions, but even then, I embrace the lines and wrinkles. What I do struggle with, though, is the rough, dry skin. At times, I can feel the skin flaking under my fingers. Being an urban gardener and taking care of household chores that involve frequent contact with water makes this almost inevitable.

The real concern for me is if the dry, flaky skin will start peeling and expose raw skin underneath  -  thankfully, that hasn’t happened yet. For some, dry feet can lead to cracked heels, which can be quite painful. Once the cracks deepen, they can bleed, making every step excruciating. Luckily, this hasn’t been my issue, but I’m always mindful of it.

Yoga and Mindfulness for Mental Health: A Healing Journey

Mental health is a crucial topic, often distorted for publicity and social media clout. But what does mental health truly mean? It encompasses how we feel in our minds - whether we are overwhelmed, overthinking, or striving to achieve an ideal state that can still lead to struggles.

In the 21st century, it’s alarming to see rising mental health issues affecting individuals from as young as five to those over seventy. Many of these challenges stem from a relentless pursuit of wealth, fame, and societal validation, heavily influenced by the curated perfection of social media. This trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Biskut Semperit (Kuih Dahlia) - Malaysian Custard Cookies

(Updated Version)

Have you ever tasted the delightful crunch of a Semperit cookie? Whether you call them custard cookies, Biskut Semperit, or Kuih Semperit - also known as Biskut Dahlia or Kuih Dahlia when shaped into a dahlia flower - these cookies evoke nostalgia and celebrate a cherished heritage (EASY EGGLESS VANILLA BUTTER COOKIES). These Malay heritage cookies are beloved for their crumbly texture and attractive appearance. 

They hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate them and will never go out of style during festivals, especially during Hari Raya, where they are often served as a treat for guests and enjoyed with family (CHILI CHOCOLATE COOKIES).

Singapore Laksa: Ms. Nava's Version

(Updated Version)

Confession time: This Singapore Laksa might not be the traditional, authentic version. While I’ve tasted what’s labeled as "Singapore Laksa" here and there, I must confess - I’ve never actually been to Singapore. Strange, right? Despite a few plans, none ever materialized, so I’ve yet to taste the famed Singapore Laksa in Singapore.

But here's the thing - I’m a big fan of laksa, whether it’s the curry or asam version. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed them many times and even made several variations of curry laksa myself (HOMEMADE VEGETARIAN CURRY LAKSA, SARAWAK LAKSA & ASAM LAKSA VARIATIONS). After some reading, I realized there’s not much difference between Singapore Laksa and Malaysian Laksa, except that Singapore's version is said to be more lemak (rich and creamy), thanks to the extra coconut milk.

Cempedak Goreng Rangup: Crispy Delight with Black Sesame

Aha! We Malaysians are incredibly familiar with cempedak, and if you’re in Indonesia or Thailand, I’m sure you know exactly which fruit Ms. Nava is referring to! Cempedak is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, closely related to jackfruit but smaller in size. Its outer skin is rough and greenish-brown, while the flesh inside is soft, yellow, and sweet with a distinctive aroma. The texture is creamy, and the flavor is a blend of banana, mango, and durian, making it truly unique.

My Experience with Wardah UV Shield Essential Gel Sunscreen

How many of you actively defend your skin against the sun? It's crucial to acknowledge that indoor lighting, as well as the light from laptops and smartphones, emits rays that can harm your skin. Today, I want to focus specifically on facial skin.

Neglecting to shield your skin from sun exposure and indoor light sources can lead to several adverse consequences:

Accelerated Skin Aging
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can result in fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Increased Risk of Skin Cancers
UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, raising the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma.

Skin Inflammation
The blue light emitted from electronic devices is linked to various skin issues, potentially causing inflammation and contributing to conditions like acne and pigmentation disorders.