Lavish Coffee House: A Treat for the Senses

Indulge in a culinary journey, for even food enthusiasts deserve a treat from time to time (Signature Tiffins Cafe). Whether it's to reward ourselves for our hard work and dedication or simply to savor life's pleasures, treating ourselves is a nourishment for both the mind and soul (He Ju Kopitiam & Nutz & Boltz). Today, at about 10:15 AM, we found ourselves at Lavish Coffee House (No 16-G, Jalan Eco Santuari 8/2B, Eco Santuari, Selangor) immersed in its captivating ambiance. The menu instantly caught our attention, offering a plethora of options to satisfy our cravings. Among the array of choices, we opted for Ladies Breakfast Set (RM23.00), which came with a steaming cup of Americano and a plate of Kampung Fried Rice (RM19.90), alongside a comforting Cafe Latte (RM9.90).

Effortless Spinach and Lentil Delights: Nourishing Recipes Made Easy

Spinach, a leafy green vegetable packed with essential nutrients, has become a favorite for many due to its affordability and ease of cultivation in urban settings. Not only are spinach leaves a healthy addition to your diet, but their seeds also offer an opportunity for urban farming enthusiasts to grow their own fresh produce. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of spinach, its effortless cultivation, and a simple yet delicious recipe that is budget-friendly.

Thai Green Egg Curry: A Spicy Green Goddess

When it comes to cooking Thai dishes, I consider myself quite the enthusiast. I embarked on a remarkable journey across the vibrant landscapes of Thailand, immersing myself in the richness  of their cuisine. From bustling markets to humble home kitchens, I eagerly absorbed the essence of Thai food, through firsthand experiences and encounters with generous individuals who graciously shared their treasured recipes. Today, I'm thrilled to add another gem to my collection of Thai culinary delights - the exquisite Thai Green Egg Curry.

Signature Tiffins Cafe: Exploring a New Eatery in Bandar Rimbayu (Teluk Panglima Garang)

Two weeks ago, a fellow food enthusiast and I embarked on a delightful culinary adventure in Bandar Rimbayu, uncovering yet another food paradise. As a resident of Kota Kemuning, I was thrilled to find an expanding dining scene right in our own backyard. On a leisurely Sunday afternoon, we made our way to Signature Tiffins Cafe (Blossom Square, 7-G, Jalan Flora 1/4, Bandar Rimbayu, Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor), a 20-minute drive away, and were pleased to discover that parking was a breeze. Bandar Rimbayu has truly evolved into a haven for food lovers (Nutz & Boltz, & He Ju Kopitiam) offering us an abundance of new and exciting eateries to explore, including those in Kota Kemuning.

A Foodie's Journey in Taman Tun Dr Ismail: Unveiling the Culinary Delights of Alora Spices

Usually, my food hunting adventures take place within Kota Kemuning. However, a week ago, I had the pleasure of venturing into Taman Tun Dr Ismail after a delightful outing with a dear friend in Bukit Bintang. In search of a satisfying late lunch, we stumbled upon Alora Spices, an Indian eatery that instantly captivated us with its inviting ambiance and clean atmosphere. Join me as I recount the flavorsome experience and delectable dishes that awaited us at this hidden gem.

Harnessing the Power of Sunblock: Safeguarding Your Skin's Future

Previously, I mentioned the importance of sunblock as part of my skincare routine (Achieving Clear and Healthy Skin), emphasizing its role in defending against the sun. However, in this post, let's delve deeper into why you must consider incorporating sunblock into your daily life, especially if you reside in countries like Malaysia, where scorching weather can take a toll on your skin (Nurturing Your Skin: Know Your Skin Type).

While we need the sun for vitamin D, the increasing frequency of hot weather due to climate change and the thinning ozone layer raises concerns. Temperatures soaring up to 45 degrees Celsius have become the norm. Regardless of the intensity of the heat, I firmly believe that sunblock is a necessity. It bewilders me how some individuals I know claim to remain unscathed by dark spots, pigmentation, wrinkles, and premature aging despite forgoing sunblock.

Exquisite Delights: The Aromatic Fusion of Curry Leaf Coconut Oil Rice

If you've been following my Zen Cuisines, it's no secret that I have a deep love for rice. Today, I want to share with you a rice dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fits perfectly into a weight loss journey. Yes, you heard that right - you can still enjoy rice while shedding those extra pounds. Now, let's talk about dinner. I personally tend to avoid rice in the evening because it takes longer to digest, and we tend to be less active after our last meal of the day. Those unburned calories can easily lead to unwanted weight gain. However, I have a solution for you: a moderate portion of rice, primarily for lunch, a healthy and aromatic rice dish that will leave you satisfied without worrying about the calories.

Savoring Life: Embracing Guilt-Free Indulgences in a Healthy Journey

Living a healthy lifestyle is not a temporary endeavor that ends once we achieve our desired weight. It is a lifelong commitment that encompasses more than just torturing our palates. While striving for weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight (My Weigh Journey), it's important to understand that we don't have to completely deprive ourselves. Occasional indulgences can be a part of our journey, as long as we approach them sensibly. Instead of viewing it as a day to eat to excess, let's embrace the concept of a controlled indulgence - a guilt-free opportunity to savor our favorite treats.

A Delicious Evening Delight: Nutz N Boltz Quayside Mall Review

Last week, we decided to break our routine Sunday lunch outing and instead opted for a delightful dinner. Thanks to my accommodating husband for adjusting our plans, as I had some afternoon commitments to attend to. Being a woman entrepreneur, sometimes we need to shift priorities and adapt our schedules accordingly. Our destination for the evening was Nutz N Boltz Quayside Mall, Telok Panglima Garang. Although it had been around for some time, I hadn't explored it yet. As a passionate foodie, I felt it was time to personally experience the flavors and determine if the reviews I had read truly held merit. After all, tasting and discovering food ourselves allows us to form our own opinions rather than blindly relying on others' experiences, as our palates and preferences differ.

Nurturing Your Skin: Embracing Your Skin's Story

In my previous sharing, "My Daily Skincare Routine Revealed," I shared snippets of my journey toward healthier skin. Yet, amidst the bustling aisles of skincare products, there's a crucial chapter often overlooked: understanding your skin type. It's a journey of self-discovery, a narrative that unfolds uniquely for each of us.

 

Imagine standing in front of the mirror, feeling the texture of your skin beneath your fingertips, tracing the lines that tell your skin's story. It's not just about appearance - it's about listening to what your skin whispers to you, understanding its needs, its desires.

Nava's Masala Crab: A Spicy Delight for Seafood Lovers

Having crab at home is truly a feast for us. It's not something we indulge in regularly, but every few months, the craving for a delectable crab dish arises. In our Indian family, we particularly relish crab prepared in a thick masala or curry gravy - a tantalizing blend of spices that ignites our taste buds. When it comes to cooking crab, I reserve the legs or claws for a flavorful Indian crab soup, while the bodies take center stage in a fiery and aromatic dish. Pairing these two preparations together with a simple stir fry completes our seafood extravaganza.

Nature's Oasis: Transforming Spaces for Inner Peace and Wellness at Nava's Zen

Welcome to Nature's Oasis: Nava's Zen, where spaces are transformed into something truly extraordinary. As the founder of Nava's Zen, I want to share with you the remarkable connection we've forged with nature. We often think of nature in terms of expansive landscapes and outdoor sanctuaries, but at Nava's Zen, we've taken that magic indoors. Step into our world and be captivated by the blend of lush greenery and carefully placed plants. Our studio comes alive, invigorating your senses with the calming influence of nature's embrace. However, what truly sets us apart is our ability to transform unexpected spaces into havens infused with nature's essence.

Exploring the Versatility of Brazilian Spinach: A Hidden Gem in the Culinary World

Discovering new ingredients is always an exciting journey, and my encounter with Brazilian spinach, about four years ago, was nothing short of a delightful surprise. Prior to that, I had never even heard of this leafy green vegetable. Its origin remained a mystery, intriguing me to delve deeper into its background. Today, I not only grow Brazilian spinach myself, but also relish its diverse culinary applications. Join me as we explore this fascinating ingredient and its simple yet flavorsome Malaysian-style stir-fry recipe.

Growing and Cooking with Butterfly Blue Pea Flowers

The Butterfly Blue Pea flower, also known as Bunga Telang, is incredibly easy to grow. Just scatter the seeds on the ground or in pots, and they’ll sprout with little effort. The seeds come in pods, and there are plenty of them. I'm growing them along the fence in my fitness area, Nava’s Zen, and they thrive even without much attention. 

If you're an urban gardener like me, you should definitely consider these beautiful flowers. They bloom in stunning shades of purple or dark blue. No fertilizer is needed; just water them. Plus, these flowers are packed with antioxidants and offer various health benefits, such as aiding in weight loss, improving blood sugar control, and enhancing hair and skin health.

 

The Butterfly Blue Pea flower is versatile and has very few side effects, making it a great addition to your diet. However, it's important to enjoy it in moderation and check for any potential side effects, as what's good for one person might not work for another.

He Ju Kopitiam: A Culinary Adventure Through a Food Critic's Lens

We decided to check out a kopitiam, which has become quite popular lately. It seems that just using the word "kopitiam" in a restaurant's name attracts customers for different reasons. Kopitiams can be simple coffee shops serving Malaysian food or fancier places with nice decorations and air conditioning. The fancier ones may be a bit pricier, but they attract people with their tasty food and cozy atmosphere. The one we went to was somewhere in the middle, offering a variety of delicious dishes from both Malaysia and other countries on their menu.

My Weight Journey: Overcoming Setbacks and Rediscovering Self-Confidence

For the longest time, I never considered myself overweight. Being an active person, practicing flow yoga, and tending to my beloved Zen blooming garden, I always maintained a healthy weight. However, in mid-2020, things took a turn. The scale showed a sudden increase from 48kg to 52kg, and the consequences became evident as my clothes no longer fit comfortably. 

The weight gain was primarily due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited my urban gardening activities and consumed my time with preparations for the launch of Nava'z Zen. It was a wake-up call, as I had taken for granted that my yoga practice alone would prevent weight gain, oblivious to the fact that I wasn't burning enough calories while indulging in snacks during my planning sessions.